Low- and Zero-Emissions Zones

The document outlines how low- and zero-emissions zones can improve air quality and achieve climate goals while addressing racial and economic equity. It highlights critical equity concerns, such as the risk of financial burdens on low-income residents and the need for community-led enforcement mechanisms. The text provides policy recommendations for California states and cities to ensure public oversight and technical support for pilot projects, particularly in under-resourced communities.

• Zero-emissions zones (ZEZs) can reduce harmful tailpipe pollution and address existing inequities in pollution burden if placed to benefit disadvantaged communities, potentially eliminating the vast majority of vehicle emissions by replacing combustion engines with electric motors.
• Stakeholder interviews in California communities—including East Los Angeles, Fresno, the Inland Empire, San Diego, and Stockton—identified six critical considerations for ZEZ development: risk of burden on local residents, enforcement and accountability, trust in local government, distribution of benefits and complementary policies, targeting appropriate emissions sources, and funding oversight.
• Equitable ZEZ design must address specific risks to communities of color, including the potential for enforcement mechanisms to perpetuate oppression; the document specifically recommends against using police for enforcement and warns that fines should not further harm economically disadvantaged individuals.
• To maximize benefits and mitigate harms, local entities designing LEZ pilots should engage in early and frequent communication with stakeholders, conduct comprehensive feasibility and risk assessments, and incorporate public feedback throughout all stages of the project.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2021). Low- and Zero-Emissions Zones. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2021-07/low-emissions-zones-summary_0.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Low- and Zero-Emissions Zones. 2021. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2021-07/low-emissions-zones-summary_0.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Low- and Zero-Emissions Zones |date=June 2021 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2021-07/low-emissions-zones-summary_0.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2021low, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Low- and Zero-Emissions Zones}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2021}, month = jun, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2021-07/low-emissions-zones-summary_0.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }