Historic preservation in this country is under threat due to proposed changes to federal regulations, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. If these changes are implemented, federal agencies would no longer be required to try to avoid or minimize damage to our country’s historic architecture, neighborhoods, and landscapes. State and local governments would no longer have the right to be notified or to comment when federal agencies propose to damage or destroy historic places within their jurisdiction. And the public would no longer be required to have the opportunity to comment on federal preservation policies or actions. These changes will negatively impact preservation efforts in our community and others across the country.
Across the nation, preservationists are banding together to oppose these proposed sweeping changes to Section 106.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Write to your elected officials and share your thoughts on the role preservation and local consultation should play in federal projects. You don’t have to be an expert to engage in the process. See our sample letter below. You can also learn more here.
How to contact your elected officials:
-
- Maryland State Representatives (click “Lookup” above the map)
Sample Letter:
Dear YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL,
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen about the proposed changes to the review process that governs Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). These major changes weaken public participation and greatly diminish the ability of communities to help shape what happens to historic places that they care about.
For almost sixty years, Section 106 of the NHPA has provided an essential framework for ensuring that communities have an opportunity to participate when federal projects may affect historic resources. If the proposed changes go through, federal agencies would no longer be required to try to avoid or minimize damage to our country’s historic architecture, neighborhoods, and landscapes. State and local governments would no longer have the right to be notified or to comment when federal agencies propose to damage or destroy historic places within their jurisdiction. The public would no longer be granted the guaranteed opportunity to comment on federal preservation policies or actions.
The protection of our heritage depends on the public having a meaningful voice. Communities should not be sidelined when federal decisions could permanently alter destroy the places we value and have worked for generations to protect.
We ask that you support the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the broader preservation community to advocate for targeted, consensus-based improvements that enhance efficiency while preserving the core principles that have made Section 106 one of our nation’s most successful collaborative planning tools. Any revisions should strengthen – not weaken – consultation, transparency, public participation, and the role of states, Tribes, local governments, and affected communities.
Respectfully,
YOUR NAME