Advisory Council's Section 106 Rule Changes Prompt Tribal Opposition

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) voted to approve draft revisions to the Section 106 regulations of the National Historic Preservation Act. The proposed rules would narrow the definition of historic places, eliminate mandatory tribal consultation, and cut public comment periods, easing approval for federally funded projects near historic sites.

Tribal organizations and historic‑preservation advocates have condemned the changes, warning they would weaken protections for sacred and culturally significant sites and exceed the council’s statutory authority. Critics note that the revisions would shorten review timelines, shift emphasis toward built structures over cultural landscapes, and reduce the role of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers. The draft still requires review by the Office of Management and Budget before publication.

The controversy follows a broader push by the current administration to overhaul historic‑preservation policies, with many council members appointed by the president. Preservation groups and tribal leaders describe the move as a “bait‑and‑switch” that threatens tribal trust responsibilities and the preservation of shared heritage.