Climate Change and the Coastal Zone Management Act

This chapter focuses on the role of federalism in creating adaptation strategies along the coast. Emphasis is placed on the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) and its role as the primary federal planning statute that outlines the rights and responsibilities between coastal states and the federal government. Examples are used to highlight difficulties in fully implementing climate change adaptation strategies through the CZMA, particularly when coastal state and federal government interests diverge. The chapter concludes by highlighting suggestions to overcome federalism issues when they interfere with climate change adaptation strategies, and further identifies ways in which cooperative federalism can help achieve meaningful and proactive adaptation strategies along the coast.