Who administers the Coastal Zone Management Act?

• A. EPA
• B. Army Corps of Engineers
• C. NOAA
• D. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Answer: (C)

The agency that administers the Coastal Zone Management Act is NOAA. NOAA is responsible for implementing the CZMA at the federal level, overseeing the national program, approving and guiding state Coastal Zone Management Programs, and ensuring that federal actions in coastal areas are consistent with a state’s approved CZM policies. It also provides funding and technical assistance to states.

The other agencies have different primary roles: the EPA handles broad environmental protection but does not administer the CZMA; the Army Corps of Engineers conducts specific permitting under other laws and may coordinate with CZMA requirements, but it does not administer the act itself; HUD focuses on housing and urban development and is not involved in CZMA administration.