City OKs plan for gas-pump climate change labels

Climate-change warning labels are coming to gas pumps in Berkeley, California, a city with a long history of green and clean policies.

The Berkeley City Council voted late Tuesday to draft a proposal by next spring that will put stickers on gas pumps citywide to warn consumers that burning fuel contributes to global warming.

San Francisco is drafting a similar ordinance that the city's Board of Supervisors could vote into law by March.

Supporters hope that simply putting the labels in front of consumers will motivate them to drive less.

But the Western States Petroleum Association, an oil-industry lobbying group, says the plan imposes onerous restrictions on businesses.

Implementing the labeling program could cost up to $20,000 the first year, and some argue the money could be better spent.

© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.