Get ready to add the word "feebates'' to your car-shopping lexicon.

Several state legislatures, notably California's, have toyed with proposals that could make it economically unattractive for buyers to opt for vehicles that produce above-average amounts of greenhouse gases.

The same proposals would reward buyers of vehicles that are more Earth-friendly.

Recently, the California Assembly was scheduled to vote on a bill called the California Clean Car Discount Act, which would have levied one-time registration fees of up to $2,500 on new vehicles that emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and other gases related to global warming.

In other words, think big SUVs, powerful sedans and sports cars.

The fees paid on those vehicles would have funded rebates for buyers of eco-friendly vehicles, such as hybrids and small sedans.

This is an idea that has gained traction in Canada and Europe, and has been proposed -- but not passed -- in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

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The vote in California was expected to be close, with a handful of legislators from Southern California holding the key votes. However, on Jan. 30, the California bill's sponsor -- Assemblyman Ira Ruskin -- pulled the legislation, saying he didn't have the votes for passage. Ruskin says he plans to reintroduce the bill later this year.

Prior to Ruskin's announcement, auto manufacturers and new car dealers had opposed the measure, saying it would hurt business and work against consumer choice.