The new regulation signed into law recently by the secretary of state creates a simple ranking system that will provide consumers with practical information that can be used to choose the most environmentally friendly vehicle that meets their transportation needs.  Showroom models could start showing these labels as early as July.

"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," said Mary Nichols, Chair of the California Resources Board.

 
"Consumer choice is an especially powerful tool in our fight against climate change," Nichols said.  "We look forward to seeing these stickers on 2009 model cars as they start hitting the showrooms in the coming months."

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.