Now, for the first time anywhere, car buyers can check two Minnesota government Web sites to find out which automobiles leak the most air conditioning fluid, which contributes to global warming.

This new information on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's and state Attorney General's Web sites grew directly out of a bill conceived and successfully pushed by MCEA in the last legislative session. Using one of the recommendations of the governor's Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group, MCEA went after chemicals which are not as plentiful in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, but can be thousands of times more powerful in accelerating global warming.

Many of these superwarmer gases are refrigerants, including those used in car air conditioning systems, which invariably leak, releasing the dangerous superwarmers into the atmosphere. Auto manufacturers know the leakage rate of each car, truck, minivan and SUV they build. By reporting that information to the state and having it posted, consumers can factor it into their purchasing decisions. Choosing cars that leak less is better for the environment and saves car owners money because they don't have to replace the fluid or repair their systems as often.

The worst 2009 model for leaking refrigerant is the Bentley Arnage RL. The Chevy Cobalt, Chevy HHR, Saturn Astra and the Pontiac G5 are tied for the best. The top 15 least leaking and worst leaking cars are listed below.

Top 15 (Least Leakage)
1. Chevy Cobalt
2. Chevy HHR
3. Saturn Astra
4. Pontiac G5
5. Pontiac G8
6. All Chevy Camaros
7. Chevy Impala
8. Buick Lacrosse
9. Saturn Vue
10. Pontiac Torrent
11. GMC Terrain
12. Chevy Equinox
13. Toyota Camry Hybrid
14. Lexus GS 450h
15. Toyota Prius

Bottom 15 (Worst Leakage)
1. Bentley Arnage RL
2. Lexus 570 (with coolbox)
3. Toyota Landcruiser (with coolbox)
4. Mazda CX-9 (3.7 L)
5. Dodge Sprinter
6. All Rolls Royce Phantoms
7. Bentley Arnage (R and T)
8. All Bentley Azures
9. Bentley Brooklands
10. Ford Escape Hybrid
11. Mazda Tribute Hybrid
12. Mercury Mariner Hybrid
13. Lexus LX 570
14. Toyota Landcruiser
15. Toyota Sequioa