EPA may decide on letter grade for vehicles by July

The EPA should know by the end of July whether it is to require a vehicle emissions grading system on all new vehicles.  Margo Oge, director of the agency’s Office of  Transportation and Air Quality says that the agency is being sympathetic towards concerns raised over the proposed A – D grading system.

Though Oge declined to confirm exactly when the new labels would appear, the new timetable set suggests that they will be ready for the 2013 model year.  The labels in question were first proposed in August, and are opposed by automakers, because 40% of vehicles on the road would receive Cs and Ds.  The industry is backing a more modest system that allows for greater information, but the final decision will ultimately be in the hands of the EPA.

Environmentalists disagree however, and say that the grading system will prod consumers towards hybrids and such, just as grades for restaurant cleanliness effectuate better hygiene in that industry.  Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio, called the grades “some loopy new green curve they’ve devised where cars are graded from A+ to D based on fuel economy and greenhouse gas levels.

“Those who live in Planet Reality might need a minivan or SUV to haul around four kids in child and booster seats, and have room for luggage and a family dog. Thanks to the EPA, they’ll be lucky to find a vehicle that gets a C.”

-By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News