Advancing Zero- and Low-Emission Zones: Local Levers to Decarbonize Urban Freight Using Existing Authority

New research from the Urban Freight Lab outlines how U.S. cities can advance zero-emission freight goals despite legal and regulatory barriers that limit the use of formal Zero- and Low-Emission Zones. The paper presents a practical four-part toolkit that combines incentive-based “pull” strategies with regulatory “push” tools, supported by real-world examples from cities including Portland, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and New York. The study emphasizes coordinated policy design, early industry collaboration, and long-term planning as essential elements for accelerating cleaner, healthier, and more efficient urban freight systems.