The Trump administration has taken a significant step toward easing federal regulations that protect historic sites across the United States. On Friday, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), a federal agency responsible for overseeing preservation reviews and advising the president and Congress, voted to move forward with a proposed rewrite of existing rules that govern changes to federally recognized historic locations. The proposal now proceeds to the White House for further review before being opened for public comment.
The proposed changes target the Section 106 review process, a requirement for any construction projects on federal land or those receiving federal funding, as well as private projects requiring federal approval. This process currently mandates a multistage review that assesses potential impacts on historic landmarks, solicits public input, and requires consultation with affected states, Indigenous tribes, and other interested parties.
Under the new rules, federal agencies could potentially approve projects affecting historic sites without the prior agreements from these stakeholders and could decide unilaterally whether public participation in the review process is warranted. Advocates of the changes argue that the current process is overly burdensome, often involving prolonged consultations and mitigation requests that delay projects indefinitely. Kevin Lilly, acting assistant secretary for fish, wildlife, and parks, cited these concerns, calling the existing framework “unduly burdensome” and prone to “endless consultation.”
Supporters of the rule adjustments note they would facilitate faster completion of federal construction projects, including several high-profile initiatives pursued by President Donald Trump. One such project is the planned construction of a 250-foot-tall arch near Arlington National Cemetery, which has encountered delays due to the current preservation review procedures.
Critics, however, warn that the proposal could weaken safeguards for culturally and historically significant sites, including Native American burial grounds and historic districts. Preservation advocates argue the changes threaten the integrity of the nation’s historic fabric and diminish tribal sovereignty. Brent Leggs, CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, described the proposal as an “attack on our civic and cultural inheritance.” The National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers called the plan “an affront to Tribal sovereignty.”
Democratic lawmakers have voiced strong opposition, with Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine warning that the administration’s approach risks irreversible harm to historic sites through rushed approvals. She accused the administration of prioritizing political and financial interests over comprehensive historical protection.
Sara Bronin, who served as chair of the ACHP during the previous administration, noted that the council's composition—largely consisting of Trump appointees—made the approval of the new rules unsurprising. She predicted the proposal would move forward quickly, potentially ignoring public comment, and indicated that preservation groups plan to challenge the changes through legal and legislative means once finalized.
Following the ACHP’s vote, the proposal will undergo review by the White House Office of Management and Budget before being released for public input. The finalization of these changes could mark a fundamental shift in federal historic preservation policy.