Which important legislation focused on the protection of California’s coastal environment?

The California Coastal Act is a crucial piece of legislation specifically designed to address and protect California's coastal environment. Enacted in 1976, this act established a comprehensive program for coastal management. It aimed to ensure that the state's coastal resources remain available for public enjoyment and protection from overdevelopment, pollution, and habitat destruction. The act facilitates the balance between conservation and development by requiring local governments to develop and implement Local Coastal Programs that align with state policies for coastal access and environmental protection.

In contrast to the other options, such as the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, which have broader national scopes that address water quality and environmental reviews across the United States, the California Coastal Act is tailored specifically to the unique challenges and needs of California's diverse coastal ecosystem. The California Wildlife Protection Act, while important for wildlife conservation, does not specifically focus on coastal environments. Therefore, the California Coastal Act stands out as the most relevant legislation specifically directed at protecting California's valuable coastal areas.