In defining the scope of state coastal zone management programs permitted under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA), federal‐state conflict has arisen over the exclusion of federal lands from the coastal zone and the extent that state regulatory authority may be exercised over federal actions that have an impact on the coastal zone. To fulfill Congress’ goal of unified federal‐state policies, criteria and standards for public and private use of coastal resources, this article proposes an intergovernmental planning mechanism that incorporates the “consistency”; requirements of the CZMA with federal ownership, use, and regulation of coastal resources. To address environmental and socioeconomic impacts arising from federal ownership, use, and regulation of coastal resources, the proposal suggests the creation of an intergovernmental planning and consistency zone and an interpretation of “consistency”; as an action‐forcing planning requirement.