Sticker Shock: Calif. Puts Emissions Rating on '09 Cars

A state-mandated sticker showing vehicles' global-warming rating is starting to show up in California showrooms, the San Jose Mercury News reports. "We are forced by the nature of our economy to drive vehicles to work and play. This gives people a tool to lessen their carbon footprint," a state spokesman said of the label showing autos' 1-10 rating on greenhouse gas emissions.

The law, signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2005, takes effect Jan. 1, though many dealers are adding the labels with '09 models debuting this summer. Environmentalists call the stickers vital tools to inform consumers. "If we are going to solve the global warming problem and reduce emissions, individuals are going to have to be part of the solution," one green rep says. (More California stories.)