US Section 106 Changes Threaten Historic Preservation Amid 250th Independence Celebrations

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) voted on July 24 to approve revisions to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, a move that would reduce public input and weaken protections for historic sites. Preservation groups including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers opposed the changes, warning that the revisions could allow federal projects to proceed with fewer safeguards for historic resources.

A separate report released by House Democrats on July 2 alleges that Freedom 250, a nonprofit created under an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, misdirected millions of dollars intended for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to an incorrect bank account. Freedom 250’s spokesperson denied the allegations. The funding controversy involves two organizations, America250 and Freedom 250, both tasked with coordinating events for the national semiquincentennial.