Coastal Zone Management Act: Consistency Provision (16 U.S.C. § 1456)

The location you have selected is subject to the statutory authority of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) under what is known as the "federal consistency provision." Under section 307 of the CZMA, federal agency activities that affect any land or water use or natural resource of the coastal zone must be consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable policies of the state Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP). Federal license or permit activities that affect any land or water use or natural resources of the coastal zone must be fully consistent with the enforceable policies of the CZMP. Federal agencies and applicants for federal approvals must consult with the state CZMPs and must provide the CZMP with a determination or certification that the activity is consistent with the CZMPs enforceable policies. The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), however, can override a state’s objection to an applicant’s certification if the Secretary finds that the federal license or permit activity is consistent with the objectives of the CZMA or is otherwise necessary in the interest of national security. To learn more about the CZMA, click here.