Contributed by: Greg Werkheiser
Organization: Cultural Heritage Partners
Dated Posted: November 13, 2026
Website: Visit External Site

From Cultural Heritage Partners:

While we keep calling our Members of Congress to oppose BAAJA, the administration continues to try to deface historic landmarks protected by our current laws. The administration published an "Environmental Assessment" for the plan to paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building with white paint, and the public has a current opportunity to speak back!

Please submit a comment opposing the painting proposal and supporting the "Cleaning & Lighting Alternative."

Here's how:

• Submit a comment: Comments are accepted online (at the Federal eRulemaking Portal) or via email to FedRegComments@oa.eop.gov(include docket number OA-2026-0001 in the subject line of the message). They are due Monday, November 16, at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
• Ask to be a consulting party: If you have an extensive relationship with the EEOB or represent an organization with interests in the EEOB, request consulting party status in your comment.
• Personalize your remarks: Form comment letters are likely to be ignored or counted as a single comment. Submit comments in your own words. We recommend these talking points:
  • The EA's stated purpose and need is to “better align the building’s visual character with that of the White House," which is an aesthetic preference that flies in the face of the nation's historic preservation guidance for historic masonry and for architectural properties of the highest national significance like the EEOB.
  • The EA acknowledges that painting the EEOB would adversely affect at least three nationally significant historic resources, while the Cleaning & Lighting Alternative would not cause adverse effects.
  • The EEOB's grey granite is a contributing feature of the building's significance as a remarkable example of French Second Empire construction.
  • Painting the building would fundamentally alter its appearance and diminish its historic value. Proposed annual power-washing also has the potential to damage the building's historic details.
  • Critical testing results have been concealed from the public and the EA identified unresolved questions about the coating's compatibility with granite, cleaning methods, and potential damage during removal.
  • The EA doesn't disclose the long-term burdens of the project, including the painting cost, annual washing and maintenance, recurring scaffolding expenses, and security concerns.

Thank you for standing with this beautiful historic building!

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