The Coastal Zone Management Act

The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), enacted in 1972, aims to protect coastal areas from development and environmental degradation. It encourages states to create and implement plans for sustainable use of their coastal resources, balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. Through this act, states can receive federal funding and support for managing their coastlines, addressing issues like pollution, habitat loss, and natural disaster preparedness. The CZMA promotes collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to ensure coastal zones are healthy, resilient, and provide benefits to communities while preserving natural ecosystems.