Section 106 requires federal agencies to consult and consider negative effects to historic resources in the path of proposed projects. The Council’s proposed changes are sweeping, including consolidating decision-making authority at the federal level, weakening consultation with state and Tribal governments and local communities, and reducing what is considered “historic” in ways that will exclude traditional cultural places and threaten rural historic districts.

In response to this news, the Board of Directors forHistory Colorado, home to the state’s preservation programs, has released this statement:

The draft revisions from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation erode the shared national intention of the National Historic Preservation Act, which is our commitment to preserve the places that are important to the American people.

Congress specifically passed the National Historic Preservation Act as a collaboration among federal, state, Tribal governments, and local communities with the understanding that those who are closest to these sites and resources have the most knowledge and should be consulted.

The proposed revisions undermine the right of Tribes, states, local governments, descendant communities, and the public to have a say in how federal projects impact the places where Americans live.

Whether you live in an urban or rural community, local decision-making and including local voices is a core Colorado value. Yet, the clearest objective of these revisions is to weaken opportunities for public input about what history we preserve and what impacts our communities.

Especially as we reflect on the important anniversaries of this year – America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th, we cannot support any effort that devalues the voices of Colorado communities and Tribal nations, imperils the irreplaceable places that form our heritage and culture, dismisses the knowledge of Tribes and descendants, and betrays our obligations to preserve the important history of our nation.

As the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation approaches the deadline of their unassembled vote by 5 pm this Friday, July 24, we urge Council members to not move forward on any revisions that dilute or detract from direct and meaningful consultation with states, Tribes, and local governments – engaging the voices and expertise of those most directly impacted.