New labels to show eco-friendly autos

KENNEWICK -- Looking for an environmentally friendly car?

Beginning next year, car buyers in Washington can learn about a new vehicle's emission standards in a jiffy, with the help of a new label.

The label will provide global warming and smog emissions scores, said Seth Preston, a spokesman for the state Department of Ecology.

It'll be mandatory for all new cars, vans and trucks sold in Washington.

Generally, consumers look at fuel-efficiency ratings when buying a vehicle, and now they'll be able to compare different emission ratings, he said.

A low rate won't make the vehicle illegal just offer more information to potential buyers.

The labels, which started in California, have been designed to educate the public about the sources of greenhouse gases and their effect on the environment.

Ecology department officials say passenger cars, freight and construction vehicles, ships, airplanes and trains are the state's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions at about 47 percent.

The new label is part of efforts to update the state's "clean cars" standards.

Washington officials have been working with auto makers to prepare for the new standards. Getting new pollution control measures in the vehicles may cost manufacturers from $17 to a few hundred dollars, Preston said.

In 2005, the state Legislature adopted California's auto emission standards, which are more stringent than federal requirements.

The new standards also mean that a 2009 model vehicle bought outside the state will need to conform to Washington standards, otherwise it won't be licensed in the state.

Officials expect the new standards to help reduce air toxins and improve air quality in the state. By 2020, the new standards will have removed the air pollution equivalent of 200,000 cars, according to a state estimate.

Ecology officials plan a public hearing on the standard updates, including the label, in December.