EPA, DOT Propose New Fuel Economy Labels/Agencies seek public comment on the most dramatic overhaul in the labels 30-year history (HQ)
WASHINGTON – As a new generation of cars and light trucks
start appearing on the market, the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) are jointly proposing changes to the fuel economy labels
consumers see on the window of every new vehicle in dealer
showrooms. The proposed rule seeks public comment on label design
options and related issues. The public can view the proposed rule
and labels at: https://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy and submit comments as part of the rulemaking process
via email to: [email protected]. They can also review the proposed
rule at https://www.nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations/corporate-average-fuel-economy.
“We are asking the American people to tell
us what they need to make the best economic and environmental
decisions when buying a new car,” said EPA Administrator Lisa
P. Jackson. “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. We want
to help buyers find vehicles that meet their needs, keep the air
clean and save them money at the pump.”
“New technologies such as battery electric
vehicles and plug-in hybrids are entering the American market in
greater numbers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray
LaHood. “We need to provide consumers with labels that
include fuel economy and environmental information so that buyers
can make better informed decisions when purchasing new
vehicles.”
The goal of the new fuel economy labels is to
provide consumers with simple, straightforward energy and
environmental comparisons across all types of vehicles, including
electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV),
and conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.
DOT and EPA are looking to provide enhanced
information on efficiency and environmental performance –
including information about air pollutants, such as smog, that
impact public health – to consumers. The Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 specifically calls on EPA and DOT to rate
available vehicles according to fuel economy, greenhouse gas
emissions and smog forming pollutants.
EPA and DOT are proposing two new label designs
for comment. One label design prominently features a letter grade
to communicate the vehicle’s overall fuel economy and
greenhouse gas emissions performance. The new design will also
provide consumers with an estimate of the expected fuel cost
savings over five years compared to an average gasoline-powered
vehicle of the same model year.
The second proposed label retains the current
label’s focus on miles per gallon (MPG) and annual fuel
costs, while updating the overall design and adding the required
new comparison information on fuel economy and
emissions.
Both proposed label designs expand on the
content of the current label by including new information on fuel
consumption, tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and
smog-related emissions. The new labels would provide information on
a new web-based interactive tool that can also be accessed by smart
phone. This tool would allow consumers to personalize the
information about a vehicle’s performance.
For EVs and PHEVs, the agencies are proposing to
show energy use by translating electricity consumption into miles
per gallon equivalent. The proposed label designs for EVs also
include energy use expressed in terms of kilowatt-hours per 100
miles.
DOT and EPA encourage public feedback on all
aspects of the proposal, including which designs or design features
would best help consumers compare fuel economy, fuel costs, and
environmental impacts of different vehicles and across different
vehicle technologies.
The agencies are proposing that the label only
present information on vehicle tailpipe emissions. Upstream
emissions, which are associated with electricity generation or
refining fuel, would not be displayed on the label. EPA and DOT
propose to develop a website to provide consumers additional
information on non-tailpipe emissions, while taking comment on
other approaches to provide consumer information about lifecycle
emissions across various vehicle fuels and technologies. The
agencies are aiming to complete the rule in time to allow the new
label to appear on the windows of as many 2012 model year vehicles
as possible.
DOT and EPA are providing a 60-day public
comment period that begins with the proposal’s publication in
the Federal Register.
More information on the proposed labels and
submitting comments: https://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy and https://www.nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations/corporate-average-fuel-economy