The rankings are the pollution equivalent to the gas mileage ratings that EPA issues annually. Each year the health of millions of Americans, particularly children, is jeopardized by air pollution. Millions of Americans daily try to help protect their health and their environment through wise consumer choices. This web site provides information that consumers will find useful to reduce harmful levels of air pollution in their communities. It is part of the Clinton-Gore Administration's continuing commitment to expand the public's right to know.
Vehicles account for almost one-third of all smog causing pollution.
Nationwide, the number of miles driven each year is up 140 percent since 1970 to 2.8 trillion. In addition, half of new vehicles sold today are sport utility vehicles, which currently are allowed to emit as much as three to five times the pollution as cars. Smog causes millions of cases of respiratory ailments and is responsible for triggering thousands of cases of childhood asthma every year. The site lists pollution levels for all model year 2000 and 2001 passenger vehicles sold in the United States, including cars, station wagons, pickup trucks, minivans, vans and sport utility vehicles. An emissions rank from 0 to 10, with 10 being cleanest, is assigned to each vehicle representing its cleanliness when compared to all other vehicles and ranges.