why is it important that the states touch the ocean?

Answer 1

Because then they have access to a sea port which makes trade much easier.

Answer 2

In addition to improved access to trade and commerce, which others have mentioned, tourism is a large and important revenue stream for states-- and those with ocean coastlines get far more tourists on average than those without.

The position of a state on an ocean also is helpful with respect to air pollution for the part of the state nearest the water, at least. For landlocked areas, especially those in valleys near mountains, pollution often gets trapped and held in by mountains, while the sea breezes and the lack of land features helps pollution move out of cities near oceans.

Answer 3

I would rather use the word "advantagious", or "helpful" than "important". Some land locked countries like Switzerland do just fine, while some coastal countries (like Mozambique) struggle to exploit the advantage.

It is all about having a port. Many commodities and manufactured goods can only reasonably be traded through a sea port. Water is the cheapest form of transport. In Switzerland's case, it has helped that it allways did it's utmost to maintain friendly and neutral relations with neighbouring countries, so that it can use their ports.

Answer 4

It's not touching the ocean that's important, but how much of it can become a port. Practically all of NYC is a port, while California and Florida have hundreds of miles of ocean but few ports.

Answer 5

They have access to international trade which can rack in a lot of tariff and excise tax revenues.