Recently, the California Secretary of State signed a new regulation that requires all new vehicles being sold in the state to have a sticker stating their environmental impact. In the past, consumers have only been concerned with such things as sticker prices and an auto warranty.  But now, motorists have more information to compare.

These labels are already being seen on some car models and will be on all vehicles by the 2009 model year.

The stickers will allow consumers to have the necessary information to choose a vehicle that burns cleaner; carmakers will be expected to give the correct information to the Environmental Protection Agency.

This system will require two scores: one is a rating for smog and the other is for carbon dioxide.  Both scores will be rated on a scale of 1-10.  Vehicles that are cleaner burning and more fuel-efficient will have higher scores because they will have less of an environmental impact.

Providing these labels on cars will allow consumers to have important information needed in choosing a car that will reduce emissions, fight smog, and help save on gas.