I. INTRODUCTION 



Background 



The sixties saw increased pressure on the coastal areas of the United 

 States due to competing uses, such as home building, energy facilities, 

 industrial siting, and the establishment of recreation areas. By 1970 

 approximately 50 percent of the population lived in coastal areas, 

 which account for only 8.5 percent of the total land area of the United 

 States. In addition, offshore water areas, the most biologically pro- 

 ductive in the country, were likewise being used for energy-related 

 facilities, maritime commerce, recreation and sporting purposes. 



The Commission on Marine Science, Engineering, and Resources,^ 

 the Stratton Commission, conducted a full-scale investigation of the 

 problems of the coastal zone as part of its overall study of marine 

 problems. The Commission's special Panel on Management and De- 

 velopment of the Coastal Zone held eight hearings throughout the 

 United States investigating coastal zone problems. Its conclusions 

 were included in the Stratton Commission's final investigative report, 

 Our Nation and the Sea.^ The Commission proposed that State coastal 

 authorities be created to plan, regulate, acquire lands and develop 

 public facilities. 



Congressional action leading to the passage of the Coastal Zone 

 Management Act of 1972 began immediately after the release of the 

 Stratton Commission report in the 91st Congress, 1st session. It was 

 not until late in the 92d Congress, 2d session, after numerous hearings 

 that the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 was enacted and the 

 voluntary grants-to- States program was initiated. 



The initial period of implementation of the coastal zone manage- 

 ment program was plagued with numerous funding problems, but 

 with a supplemental appropriation in 1973 the program was consid- 

 erably strengthened. By 1976, all recognized coastal states and three 

 of the four eligible territories were either receiving development or 

 administrative grants. Clearly, the States were responding to the prob- 

 lems of the coastal zone and the opportunities presented by the new 

 coastal zone management program. 



Need for Legislation 



Within a year after enactment of the Coastal Zone Management Act 

 of 1972, the call for a greater degree of energy self-sufficiency was 

 given emphasis by the now famed Arab oil embargo. From that point 

 on, energy independence became an important priority and a national 

 objective. The coastal zone would play a central role in this increased 



I Established by Public Law 88-454. on June 17, 1966. 



*U.S. Commission on Marine Science. EnirineerinK and Resources. Our Nation and the 

 Sea. Washington, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1969. 



(577) 



