600 Groups Urge Congress to Block Trump's Section 106 Overhaul, Threaten Court Fight
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 27
600 Groups Urge Congress to Block Trump's Section 106 Overhaul, Threaten Court Fight
1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 27
Summary
More than 600 preservation groups, Tribal governments and professional associations told every member of Congress on Thursday to stop Trump administration changes to Section 106, the 60-year-old review process for historic sites.
The coalition says the rewrite would let federal agencies and federally approved private projects move ahead without public input, weakening protections for landmarks, tribal sites and properties eligible for the National Register.
Its letter also targets Trump's unilateral site changes — including plans affecting the White House East Wing and a triumphal arch — and vows lawsuits if Congress does not nullify the regulatory overhaul.
Administration allies have argued the current process is cumbersome, but the coalition cites state preservation data showing reviews are usually completed within several weeks and says the rules protect thousands of sites while supporting tourism and tax revenue.