Why Section 106 Matters

The Design Advocacy Group (DAG) is following recent developments surrounding proposed changes to the regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Section 106 is a foundational part of the federal historic preservation process, requiring federal agencies to consider how federally funded, licensed, or permitted projects may affect historic properties and to consult with preservation professionals, Tribal Nations, local governments, and the public before decisions are made. It does not stop projects from moving forward, but helps ensure that historic and cultural resources are thoughtfully considered during planning.

Recent proposed revisions to the Section 106 regulations have raised significant concerns throughout the preservation community. Organizations including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers argue that the changes could weaken consultation, reduce public participation, and diminish protections for historic places. Because these proposals could have lasting implications for preservation practice nationwide, we encourage our members and the public to learn more from the organizations most closely engaged with this issue.

Learn More

• National Trust for Historic Preservation – "Section 106 Is Under Threat: What You Need to Know"

• Advisory Council on Historic Preservation – "Introduction to the Section 106 Process"

• U.S. General Services Administration – "Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act"

• National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers – "The End of Section 106 as We Know It?"

• NPR – "Trump officials move to rewrite historic preservation rules"

• National Parks Conservation Association – "A Little-Known, But Powerful Law"