Abstract
The history of US marine and ocean law involves numerous federal statutes and government agencies. It also involves acrimony with state governments over offshore oil and gas drilling and its associated pollution. Faced with the opportunity for offshore renewable energy development -- such as wind, wave and tidal facilities -- states have been leaders in creating marine spatial plans to streamline regulatory and permitting practices and accommodate multiple, varied and increasing uses of coastal and marine areas. The federal government has plans, now, to follow suit with regional coastal and marine spatial plans. To be successful, state and federal governments must cooperate.