The Conservative government is clamping down on the emissions produced by average consumer goods — from cars to dishwashers — under a new environmental plan released Thursday.

The federal plan requires all cars and light trucks built after 2011 to meet new fuel-efficiency standards, which have not yet been set. Eventually vehicles like motorcycles, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles will be regulated too.

The government also wants to create and improve emissions standards for items like dishwashers, dehumidifiers, hot tubs and gas-fired furnaces.

The regulations on consumer products are one part of an environmental plan that focuses primarily on reducing emissions produced by Canada's industries.

Environment Minister John Baird said despite the inclusion of consumer goods in the plan, it will not take a financial toll on the average Canadian.

"That average middle-class family in Quebec, in British Columbia, in Ontario or out east shouldn't be asked to kick in support to help a polluter," Baird told CBC News after he announced his plan in Toronto.

"The big polluters will be under the gun."

While industry will feel the brunt of the new plan, the government said it's important to restrict vehicle emissions, since Canada's cars and small trucks are responsible for about 13 per cent of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions.

The regulations vehicles will face have not been set yet because the government wants to gather input from Canadians and release standards at the end of 2008 that balance environmental and economic needs.

The government has also not yet released standards for household appliances and goods. Some will be released December 2007, but others will not come until December 2010.

In addition to appliances and vehicles, the government plans to regulate the emissions created by the production and use of cleaning agents, paints, inks and other products. Those regulations should come between 2007 and 2010.

The government will also phase out the use of incandescent light bulbs by 2012, as announced Wednesday by Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn.