U.S. proposes new labels for fuel economy, emissions levels

Consumers shopping for a new car would be able to compare fuel economy and emissions levels across all types of vehicles by looking at revised labels on window stickers under an Obama administration proposal made Monday.

Government regulators are seeking public comment on changes to fuel-economy labels that would allow comparisons across electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency are seeking comment on two different label designs in what the agencies said will be the most significant overhaul of the fuel-economy label since its inception more than 30 years ago.

“We want to help buyers find vehicles that meet their needs, keep the air clean and save them money at the pump,” EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in a statement.

A proposed design for new fuel-economy labels.

The proposal seeks to comply with the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act that calls on agencies to rate vehicles according to fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions and smog-forming pollutants, the EPA statement said.

The current label focuses on miles per gallon and annual fuel costs without across-the-board comparisons, the statement said.

The agencies are trying to complete the rule in time to allow the new label to appear in as many 2012 model year vehicles as possible, the statement said.

By Neil Roland- Automotive News