The state of California seems to love mandate labeling of consumer products. This is merely an observation, not a complaint; I love my nutrition facts and carcinogen warnings. Now cars will have a sticker that rates its fuel efficiency and emissions as compared to other cars. The label is meant to help consumers get the information they need to make the most informed car purchasing choices  possible.

We have seen this “educate the consumer to help them choose responsibly” tactic before.  San Francisco, for example. is trying to apply it to parking by offering parking spot info online, which appears to be a good move. The danger inherent in the vehicle environmental performance sticker concept is that the cars may not be rated accurately, thereby misleading consumers.

In addition, the control is hard to determine. There are a range of ultra-efficient cars available in very limited markets. When compared to these vehicles, the entire consumer fleet looks relatively bad. However this is a proposal by the Air Resources Control Board, which is also in charge of the implementation of California’s climate bill, so it isn’t likely that they are going to be industry friendly.

Overall however, any effort to educate the consumer in theory helps better business transactions occur.  

Image courtesy of California’s Air Resources Board