EPA Improves Consumer Labels But Stronger Vehicle Standards Needed

by greenlivingguy @Seth_LeitmanMay 26, 2011June 19, 2026

Statement by Michelle Robinson, Director of UCS Clean Vehicles Program WASHINGTON (May 25, 2011) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced requirements for new fuel economy window labels that U.S. auto dealers place on new cars and light trucks in their showrooms. Below is a statement by Michelle Robinson, director of UCS’s Clean Vehicles Program. “Americans need all the help they can get to cope with high gas prices, and these new window labels will provide us with better information so we can make better choices at the dealership. Buying a clean, fuel-efficient vehicle is the most effective step anyone can take to save money at the gas pump, reduce auto pollution, and cut America’s oil dependence. The EPA should be applauded for continuing its efforts to get consumers the best information. “The new labels would have been even better if the auto industry had not pressured the agency to drop plans to give each car a letter grade, which would have been the simplest, most effective way to communicate what consumers should look for in a vehicle. It’s ironic: Just as automakers are rolling out more clean cars, they block a labeling system that would have clearly and concisely told consumers what vehicles deliver the greatest savings, pollution reductions, and energy security benefits.

EPA Updates Fuel Economy Labels, but Stronger Standards Still Needed

New Labels Aim for Clarity

Buying a new car? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to help you make a greener choice. In 2011, the agency rolled out updated fuel economy labels for all new vehicles. The new design features clearer mileage info, energy usage comparisons, and environmental impact ratings. The goal? Make eco-smart choices easier at the dealership.

What’s Different Now

The redesigned label includes miles per gallon (MPG) and gallons per 100 miles, making fuel costs more obvious. For electric and hybrid models, it now shows MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) and estimated annual fuel savings. There’s also a smog score and a global warming rating, both on a 1-to-10 scale. Even QR codes let shoppers scan and compare vehicles on the spot.

Updated u S Epa fuel economy label displaying mpg emissions ratings and fuel cost estimates on a white background with black and green accents — AI

Better Info, Better Decisions

EPA officials say the label overhaul helps cut through confusion. Car buyers often misunderstand efficiency or underestimate long-term fuel costs. By presenting both performance and environmental impact in one place, the EPA hopes to nudge consumers toward cleaner, cost-saving vehicles.

Still, Bigger Moves Needed

While the label redesign is a step forward, many environmental groups say it’s not enough. Groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists argue that labels can only do so much if vehicle standards stay weak. At the time, fuel economy standards needed a serious boost to meet climate goals. Cleaner labels don’t guarantee cleaner cars.

Pressure on Policymakers

Advocates continued to push for tougher vehicle emissions rules. They called for bolder Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and faster adoption of electric vehicles. Without those moves, better labels may just gloss over the bigger problem — the U.S. transportation sector’s massive carbon footprint.

The Takeaway

Clearer labels help consumers make smarter choices. But to truly shift the auto market, we need more than info. We need action — especially from automakers and lawmakers — to drive down emissions and fuel up progress.

Source: EPA and Union of Concerned Scientists

greenlivingguy

The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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