Protect the Public’s Voice in Historical Preservation Matters

I'm concerned about proposals that would make it easier for the federal government to approve projects affecting historic places without giving local communities a meaningful voice. Americans deserve to know what's being proposed in their communities, to share their knowledge about places that matter, and to help solve problems before—not after—historic places are permanently harmed. For nearly sixty years, the protections provided by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act have made that possible by bringing communities, Tribal Nations, local governments, property owners, and federal agencies together to identify concerns early and find practical solutions. I'm asking you to oppose efforts to weaken those protections, including both the Administration's proposed regulations and any future legislation promoted as "streamlining," "permitting reform," or "modernization." Weakening these protections won't make projects better or faster. It will reduce public participation, weaken Tribal consultation, increase conflict, create more litigation, and put historic places, sacred sites, burial grounds, and local landmarks at greater risk. Historic preservation is also an economic issue. Historic places support tourism, strengthen local businesses, create jobs, attract investment, and preserve the character that makes our communities attractive places to live, work, and invest. Please defend the public's right to be heard, protect the protections provided by Section 106, and oppose any effort to weaken those protections through either regulation or legislation.