Will the new-car label make it easier to choose clean, efficient transportation?

Question

Starting January 1 2009, all new cars sold in California will carry a label which informs consumers of the state's assessment of the vehicle's environmental impact.

From the link below:

"The environmental performance label will provide two scores on a scale of 1-10, a Smog Score and a Global Warming Score. The average new car will score five on both scales. The higher the score the less impact the car has on the environment. The California Air Resources Board also hosts a consumer web site, www.DriveClean.ca.gov, that provides information on the cleanest, most efficient cars on the market."

http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/nr061908b.htm

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

I wouldnt care what the label says. I would buy the car based on what I want, not what some label says.

Answer 3

Yeah I saw this story a while back and thought it was a great idea.  Now consumers in California can be aware of a new car's environmental impact before purchasing it.  The mileage rating gives you a pretty good idea of its global warming impact, but it's nice that they also put the smog score on there.  California leads the way on the environment again!

Answer 4

They will be as informative as food labels, which is an excellent thing...just look at how healthy Americans are now!  

All kidding aside, I have absolutely no problem with providing more information to the consumer as long as it doesn't turn into an attempt to outright manage a free market.  For instance, warning labels on cigarettes were fine...the persecution of smokers through policy is a bit much.  The "sin tax" tied to them is over the top.

Answer 5

People will, and should, continue to buy the cars that they want, though a move to smaller vehicles may be necessary because of fuel prices.  

The choice to go to a cleaner car might be good for some.  Not everyone lives in the pollution that California has though.

Answer 6

I am thankful every day that I do not live in the People's Republik Of Kalifornia. The State of California has gone overboard with some of their ideas on Global warming. THey even wanted to sue 6 auto makers because they thought their vehicles were contributing to Global Warming. I have a solution, stop selling cars in California. People are soon going to get sick and tired of legislation that steals from their pocketbooks and takes away their freedoms.

Answer 7

I'm sure the new label will be as reliable as the MPG labels were.

http://www.mindfully.org/Energy/2005/Hyb...

Answer 8

Yes, it will make it easier to chose.  However, half the population is not interested in climate change.  But, it will make it easier for us that are to make an informed decision.  Of course, we will take what the label says with a grain of salt and do our own research anyhow :).