§ 38 §1801 — Findings and declaration of coastal management policies

The Legislature finds that the Maine coast is an asset of immeasurable value to the people of the State and the nation, and there is a state interest in the conservation, beneficial use and effective management of the coast's resources; that development of the coastal area is increasing rapidly and that this development poses a significant threat to the resources of the coast and to the traditional livelihoods of its residents; that the United States Congress has recognized the importance of coastal resources through the passage of the United States Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and that in 1978 Maine initiated a coastal management program in accordance with this Act which continues to be of high priority; and that there are special needs in the conservation and development of the State's coastal resources that require a statement of legislative policy and intent with respect to state and local actions affecting the Maine coast.
The Legislature declares that the well-being of the citizens of this State depends on striking a carefully considered and well reasoned balance among the competing uses of the State's coastal area. The Legislature directs that state and local agencies and federal agencies as required by the United States Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, PL 92-583, with responsibility for regulating, planning, developing or managing coastal resources, shall conduct their activities affecting the coastal area consistent with the following policies to:
1.
Port and harbor development.
Promote the maintenance, development and revitalization of the State's ports and harbors for fishing, transportation and recreation;
2.
Marine resource management.
Manage the marine environment and its related resources to preserve and improve the ecological integrity and diversity of marine communities and habitats, to expand our understanding of the productivity of the Gulf of Maine and coastal waters and to enhance the economic value of the State's renewable marine resources;
3.
Shoreline management and access.
Support shoreline management that gives preference to water-dependent uses over other uses, that promotes public access to the shoreline and that considers the cumulative effects of development on coastal resources;
4.
Hazard area development.
Discourage growth and new development in coastal areas where, because of coastal storms, flooding, landslides or sea-level rise, it is hazardous to human health and safety;
5.
State and local cooperative management.
Encourage and support cooperative state and municipal management of coastal resources;
6.
Scenic and natural areas protection.
Protect and manage critical habitat and natural areas of state and national significance and maintain the scenic beauty and character of the coast even in areas where development occurs;
7.
Recreation and tourism.
Expand the opportunities for outdoor recreation and encourage appropriate coastal tourist activities and development;
8.
Water quality.
Restore and maintain the quality of our fresh, marine and estuarine waters to allow for the broadest possible diversity of public and private uses; and
9.
Air quality.
Restore and maintain coastal air quality to protect the health of citizens and visitors and to protect enjoyment of the natural beauty and maritime characteristics of the Maine coast.

Legislative History

PL 1985, c. 794, §A11 (NEW).