Federal Government Introduces New Gas Milage Stickers

The federal Government has overhauled the classic 'miles-per-gallon' sticker found in new car windows. Government officials hope the revised stickers will save nearly 2-billion barrels of oil. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports on reaction to the new labels at a Mississippi car lot.

"This is the single most overhauled fuel economy label since they first appeared on cars and trucks more than three decades ago," said USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood at a Washington press conference Wednesday.

Secretary LaHood introduced the redesigned window stickers. The new stickers will show average fuel efficiency, environmental impact, estimated yearly fuel costs, and project savings over 5 years.

"These new window stickers are win-win. They will help consumers make informed choices and save money at the pump. And they will help keep America moving down the road to energy independence," LaHood said.

Some shoppers at a car lot in Jackson gave the new labels a less than excited reaction.

Carrie Glatney is in the market for a new car, and says the new label doesn't offer any information that would change her mind about what she wants in a car.

"I always look at the gas efficiency. I check that out when I buy a new car. And it is a factor to me, maybe it won't be the deciding factor but I do think about it when I am purchasing a vehicle," Glatney said.

The government hopes that the new labels will encourage car shoppers to buy more efficient cars, but car dealer Jim McLoed thinks that information could mislead costumers because it is hard to predict.

"I think that the more disclosure that we have as consumers in every area is a benefit to us, as long as they are based on true and accurate facts. I cannot see how they can base these fuel savings and costs on true and accurate facts because we don't know what the fuel is going to cost," McLoed said.

Government officials argue that offering the additional data will help consumers sort out the complex auto market and make smart choices.

This is not the end of the efficiency push, the government plans to set national fuel economy standards for trucks, buses, and vans for the first time later this year.

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