AICP Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master the American Institute of Certified Planners Test!

The Coastal Zone Management Act, adopted in 1972, was specifically designed to address the management and protection of coastal resources in the United States. This legislation encourages states to develop coastal management programs that promote environmentally sound development in coastal zones while protecting valuable marine and coastal resources. The Act empowers states to create policies that consider both public and private interests in coastal areas and provides federal assistance to support these efforts.

This focus on sustainable coastal resource management makes the Coastal Zone Management Act distinct from the other mentioned acts, which address different environmental, social, and regulatory challenges. For instance, the National Environmental Policy Act emphasizes broader environmental review processes for federal projects, the Americans with Disabilities Act focuses on civil rights for individuals with disabilities, and land use regulations cover a variety of planning and zoning issues but do not specifically target coastal areas.

Thus, the significance of the Coastal Zone Management Act in managing coastal resources and encouraging state-based programs is what makes it the correct answer.