CSE calls for mandatory fuel economy label on cars

New Delhi, Sept 5 (UNI) Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) today said the auto industry's recent proposal of voluntary fuel economy labelling ''will not work'' and asked for mandatory and official fuel economy certificate on the vehicles.

''While disclosure of certified fuel economy data is needed, the car industry will have to accept mandatory standards and an official labeling programme to benchmark technology improvement, prevent the drift towards oil-guzzling cars, and help achieve targeted improvement in fuel savings,'' CSE said in a statement.

So far, the automobile industry has been resisting mandatory fuel economy standards, it added.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), an autonomous body under the Power Ministry, has crafted the fuel economy standards under the Energy Conservation Act.

The BEE's initiative is further reinforced by the Integrated Energy Policy and the National Action Plan on Climate Change that have categorically asked for fuel economy standards for vehicles, it said.

''The Heavy Industries Ministry is also supporting the industry's voluntary initiative. This must not be allowed to dilute the stand on the mandatory fuel economy standards,'' CSE said.

Europe has failed to meet its targeted CO2 reduction (which is directly linked to fuel consumption of cars) due to voluntary approaches of the industry and is now moving towards mandatory standards.

In India, not only has the number of car's increased, the demand has also started shifting towards mid-sized and bigger cars.

UNI MP AK PK HS2132