The Trump-led Federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has proposed changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which is triggered when state or federal funding, actions, or approval are connected to a project which includes historic resources.
Among the new regulations, are those which would eliminate public review and commentary on a broad range of projects and what input members of the public and nonprofits can have, as well as the public’s ability to even be informed about these projects.
The National Historic Preservation Act, passed in 1966, establishes a procedural framework to protect our country’s historical and cultural places.
Section 106 review processes have resulted in the preservation of historic properties or features. The proposed changes would eliminate or make optional many of these processes, historic preservationists say.
Section 106 has played key roles in the development of Moynihan Train Hall and the reuse of the former TWA Terminal at JFK Airport, according to the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
The new regulations would eliminate public review and commentary on major projects like the Penn Station redesign, narrow what is considered a historic resource, and remove the need to notify local governments about federal projects in their area.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation voted 16–5 on July 24, 2026, to advance a notice of proposed rule-making that would drastically rewrite 36 CFR Part 800.
Key changes include making public participation and Tribal consultations discretionary, limiting the scope of protected properties, and replacing the step-by-step review framework with an agency-certified report.
This can include projects that impact national parks, historic sites, priceless architectural features, and resources of importance to Tribal Nations.
In addition to proposing limiting opportunities for public input and limiting Tribal consultation, the Advisory Council also proposed deleting important language on Tribal consultation and recognition of government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations.
They proposed excluding larger natural features like mountains, valleys, bodies of water, or landscapes from federal review, and removing requirements for developers to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects of development on historic resources.
“It’s critical that elected officials fight back against this plan and insist that Section 106 review remain intact,” a notice to supporters of Village Preservation said.
Donald Trump packed the Advisory Council, and now controls 20 of the 24 seats, including direct presidential appointees and ex-officio heads of federal agencies.
Because the top Chairman position is currently vacant, Trump named 37-year-old Travis Voyles Vice Chairman to serve in an acting capacity in June 2026. He is also serving as the Associate Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The administration argues that traditional review processes create unnecessary bottlenecks for infrastructure projects, but critics say the rollbacks are designed to bypass environmental and public hurdles for specific Trump projects, including a proposed Triumphal Arch in Washington, DC.
The changes now go to inter-agency review before being published in the Federal Register. Presumably, there also will be a 30-day public comment process.
“Please write U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Attorney General Letitia James,” a message to supporters from the Landmarks Conservancy this week said, adding “please also write your U.S. Representative.”
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Read more about Historic Preservation in New York State.
Photo of the New York State Division for Historic Preservation headquarters in a rehabilitated factory at Peebles Island State Park in Waterford, NY (provided by State Parks).
JOHN: LINKS to US Rep, and Both NY US Senators would be a good incentive for readers to send missives … ;-)
They were included above. Thanks for reading Richard.
Who would ever think that a President of the United States would be a moving force behind the desiccation of American History? Personal notoriety and acclaim overshadows freedom, democracy and the working men and women’s trials.