# EPA Improves Consumer Labels But Stronger Vehicle Standards Needed

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/epa-improves-consumer-labels-but-stronger-vehicle-standards-needed/
- Published: 2011-05-26T13:50:02-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## 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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/10-largest-wind-project-development-2022/)
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](https://i0.wp.com/
greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/165262CB-D226-4A01-8412-DF1F8731BCF3.
png?resize=300%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "EPA fuel efficiency standards - The Green
Living Guy")

AI

### Better Info, Better Decisions

[EPA officials say the label](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/04/columbia-label-a-settlement-with-the-epa/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/trump-conspires-automakers-loot-billions-consumers/)
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](https://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/new-fuel-economy-label%0A%0A) and 
[Union of Concerned Scientists](http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/solutions/cleaner_cars_pickups_and_suvs/clean-car-standards-resource-center.html)

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 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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