The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are teaming up and proposing a rule for the addition of fuel economy stickers to all new vehicles, starting with the 2012 models.
Mother Nature Network writes:
"The two agencies have jointly proposed that all car stickers be printed with a vehicle’s environmental grade, from A+ to D, beginning with model year 2012 vehicles. The new grades will allow consumers to compare a conventional vehicle’s environmental impact with that of a hybrid. The same comparison can be made between hybrid and electric vehicles, providing consumers a more comprehensive look at the environmental impact of newer vehicle technologies."
There are two labels being decided upon. One will have a letter grade to indicate the vehicle’s overall fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions performance and will compare fuel cost savings over five years to that of an average gasoline-powered vehicle of the same model year. The second label will still list the vehicle's miles per gallon (MPG) and annual fuel costs, but will also add the new information that compares fuel economy and emissions to other same year models. Both labels will include new information on fuel consumption, tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and smog-related emissions.
