May 26, 2011
Detroit Free Press
by Aaron Kessler
WASHINGTON — A comprehensive update to government-mandated fuel economy labels means that for the first time, cars and light trucks will be ranked on their environmental friendliness.
The new emissions ratings, based on a sliding scale of 1 through 10 — with 10 being the best — will be required on all new vehicles starting with the 2013 model year.
Each car will get one rating for greenhouse gases and another for smog.
The greenhouse gas rating is based on carbon dioxide emitted per mile, while the smog rating will include measures for chemicals like nitrogen oxide, organic gases and formaldehyde.
The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation announced the changes Wednesday, saying they would help pave the way for consumers to gravitate toward more efficient and environmentally friendly automobiles.