Trump-Appointed Historic Council Moves To Curb Section 106 Review Powers
A Trump-appointed Advisory Council on Historic Preservation moved this week, during the July 20-24, 2026 meeting, to advance proposed changes that would curb the federal Section 106 historic-review process and its protections.[1]
The draft rule would make consultation with State Historic Preservation Officers optional and would eliminate the requirement for public comment in federal historic-preservation reviews.[1] Preservation and tribal groups immediately warned the changes would weaken protections for historic and sacred sites and said they are preparing legal challenges.[1]
President Trump handpicked a majority of the council's members after taking office, giving the panel a conservative tilt that has pushed for rolling back federal preservation safeguards.[1] The council is this week voting on the proposed Section 106 changes that would reshape how federal agencies assess impacts on historic properties.[1]
If adopted, critics say the draft would reduce transparency and shrink the role of states, tribes and the public in reviewing projects that affect historic places and sacred lands, increasing the likelihood of litigation.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- During the week of July 20-24, 2026, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is voting on proposed changes to Section 106 rules.
- The proposal would make State Historic Preservation Officer consultation optional and eliminate required public comment in federal historic-preservation reviews.
- National preservation and tribal groups warn the draft would weaken protections for historic and sacred sites and say they are preparing legal challenges.
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