Emissions Grades: U.S. Government Proposes Greenhouse Gas Emissions Labels on New Vehicles
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) have proposed that vehicles in showrooms have labels posted on their windshields which not only show potential buyers the car's fuel economy but also its tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions.
The new labels would grade cars and light trucks on a letter scale ranging from A+, for the most efficient, to D, for the least efficient. To give some context, a Toyota Prius would score an A- rating while a Ferrari 612 would receive a D. Under the new system, electric vehicles would receive the highest grade (A+), plug-in electric hybrids would receive an A, and traditional hybrids an A-.
Implementation of this proposal would change the current labeling system which requires manufacturers show the fuel economy of all models. The EPA and DOT would like to see the new labels come into effect in 2012.
EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson said, "New fuel economy labels will keep pace with the new generation of fuel efficient cars and trucks rolling off the line, and provide simple, straightforward updates to inform consumers about their choices in a rapidly changing market."
Read the full story at Reuters: U.S. proposes grading cars on emissions, efficiency
Image credit: cjc4454 via Flickr
Nathanael Baker is the Managing Editor of EnergyBoom. He has researched and reported on the issues of renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change for over two years. He has provided research to the New York Times and The Economist, as well as being published on different media outlets including, The Energy Collective.
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