Scientists praise California car label law

SACRAMENTO, June 24 (UPI) -- The Union of Concerned Scientists is praising California officials for requiring new car pollution labeling beginning next year.

The California Air Resources Board says it will require new cars to display labels indicating how much smog-forming and global warming pollutants they will emit compared with other vehicles in the same model year.

Each label will carry a score for global warming pollution and another for smog-forming pollution. On a 10-point scale, average vehicles will receive five points, the dirtiest vehicles will receive a one, and the cleanest a 10.

Officials said some automobile dealerships might introduce the labels as early as next month.

"For most people in California, driving a car is the No. 1 way they pollute," said Spencer Quong, a senior vehicles analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists. "These labels are simple and straightforward and will make identifying a greener car easier than ever."

He said the labels will cut through industry "greenwashing" by making automakers accountable.