Take Action: Urge Congress to Protect Section 106

Dear Preservation Advocates,

Preservation New Jersey is calling on preservationists across New Jersey to contact their members of Congress and urge them to oppose proposed changes to the regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

For nearly six decades, Section 106 has provided a critical framework for ensuring that the effects of federally funded, licensed, or approved projects on historic properties are considered before decisions are finalized. Just as importantly, the process provides opportunities for State Historic Preservation Offices, Tribal nations, local governments, preservation organizations, property owners, and the public to participate when federal actions may affect historic resources.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is advancing proposed revisions to the regulations implementing Section 106. Preservation advocates and members of Congress have raised significant concerns that these changes could weaken the collaborative review process that has helped protect historic places nationwide.

Congress Is Taking Action

House and Senate leaders are currently circulating a bipartisan, bicameral congressional letter opposing the proposed revisions and urging the ACHP to reconsider.

The congressional letter raises concerns that the proposed changes would shift authority away from consultation with state, Tribal, and local experts; reduce opportunities for public participation; change how adverse effects are considered; and alter how historic properties are treated within the federal review process.

The letter also raises concerns regarding the process through which the proposed changes have advanced and their potential effects on decades of established preservation practice and Tribal consultation.

The House effort is being led by a bipartisan group including Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), along with Representatives Gabe Vasquez, Mike Lawler, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Mike Turner, Paul Tonko, and Jared Huffman.

In the Senate, the letter is being circulated by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Contact your U.S. Representative and Senators and ask them to sign the congressional letter opposing the proposed Section 106 changes.

If you already have a relationship with your congressional offices, we encourage you to reach out directly. Tell them why Section 106 matters to your community and why maintaining meaningful consultation and public participation is important to protecting New Jersey’s historic resources.

You can also use Preservation Action’s Action Alert to quickly contact your members of Congress:

TAKE ACTION:
https://preservationaction.org/bipartisan-section-106-letter-alert/

New Jersey’s historic places are affected every day by federally funded and federally permitted projects. A strong Section 106 process ensures that preservation concerns, community knowledge, and alternatives are considered as part of federal decision-making.

Your voice matters. Please contact Congress today and encourage your colleagues, commissioners, board members, and fellow preservation advocates to do the same.

Thank you for standing with Preservation New Jersey and preservation advocates nationwide in supporting a strong and meaningful Section 106 process.

Section 106 Letter Here