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Section 106 Provisions of National Historic Preservation Act Under Threat
In July, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation proposed and advanced extensive and damaging changes to the Section 106 regulations of the National Historic Preservation Act. These changes will dramatically erode the value and impact of the Act, and weaken existing review processes for historic and cultural places.
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, together with our peers— preservation and advocacy partners at the national and local level all across this country— strongly opposes these changes.
They will:
- Reduce public and community participation
- Weaken consultation with preservation agencies and local governments
- Limit consideration of alternatives that avoid or reduce negative impact
- Give federal agencies greater authority to move projects forward unilaterally
Here in Pittsburgh, we will feel these changes because Section 106 applies to transportation, infrastructure, housing, community development, federal properties, and many other projects throughout our region.
Where things stand:
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has submitted its proposed changes to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB). After considering interagency comments on the changes, the OMB will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register for public comment. We will notify you when that happens so that you can add your voice to this process.
What you can do in the meantime:
Contact U.S. Senators John Fetterman and David McCormick, Governor Josh Shapiro, and Attorney General Dave Sunday. Please also contact your U.S. Representative.
Ask them to oppose changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Tell them historic preservation matters; that public review matters, and that these changes will curtail Pennsylvania’s right to know about and influence federally-funded or permitted projects.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has set an ambitious goal of sending 250,000 letters to our elected officials on this campaign. Join it and add your voice to the effort.
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