California to mandate big increases in fuel efficiency for cars
Tue 01 July 2008
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California's Air Resources Board (CARB) is to mandate dramatic increases in car fuel efficiency, cleaner fuels and renewable power in the most ambitious effort yet in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Board has also introduced rules to enforce the display of 'global warming stickers' next to all car number plates.
CARB has released a draft plan to help implement the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. The law, the first of its kind in the US, commits the state to cutting 30 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
Most emission cuts are planned to be accomplished through government regulations. The remaining 20 percent or so is to be left up to industry through a new emissions trading system.
Significant cuts will come from transport, as California mandates the introduction of cars that emit 30% less carbon dioxide. Refineries must also produce lower-carbon gasoline and diesel.
Meanwhile, The Independent reports that California is also mandating that all new vehicles will carry "global warming stickers" next to their number plate, providing an instant assessment of their carbon footprint.
Under the scheme, which recently became law, a "global warming score" and "smog score" of between one and 10 will appear on green information labels. The higher each score, the more environmentally friendly the car.
Mary Nichols, chairman of the California Air Resources Board said: "This label will arm consumers with the information they need to choose a vehicle that saves gas, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps fight smog all at once."
The global warming stickers are expected to start appearing in California within a month. New York also has its own version of the labelling scheme due to take effect in 2010.
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