Council handpicked by Trump to gut review process of historic-preservation projects

Key Points:

• A federal advisory council dominated by Trump appointees is set to significantly reduce the role of states, tribes, and the public in the Section 106 review process, which evaluates the impact of federal projects on historic properties, and eliminate the requirement for public comment.
• The proposed changes would make State Historic Preservation Officers' reviews optional, narrow the definition of historic property, and limit the ability of Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to object to projects affecting their lands.
• Preservation groups, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and tribal organizations strongly oppose the proposal, warning it would weaken protections for historic sites, undermine tribal sovereignty, and reduce public oversight.
• The changes are particularly relevant to projects linked to President Trump, such as the proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, which is currently undergoing a Section 106 review amid concerns about a rushed and limited consultation process.
• The White House and Interior Department have declined to comment on the proposed rule changes, which would take effect after final approval and could expand federal authority over historic preservation with less external input.