Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation is an independent federal agency within the United States government that promotes the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of the nation's diverse historic resources. Established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the council advises the President of the United States and Congress on national historic preservation policy. Its primary statutory role is to oversee the Section 106 review process, which requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their undertakings on historic properties.

History

The council was created as a direct result of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, a landmark piece of legislation signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson that fundamentally reshaped federal preservation policy in the United States. This act was part of a broader wave of environmental and cultural legislation in the 1960s, influenced by public reaction to losses like the demolition of New York's original Pennsylvania Station. Initially placed within the Department of the Interior, the council was established as a forum for federal agencies, preservation professionals, and the public. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 further reinforced its role by mandating environmental reviews. In 1976, the council was made an independent agency through amendments to the National Historic Preservation Act, solidifying its separate status from the National Park Service and the Secretary of the Interior.

Functions and responsibilities

The council's central function is administering the Section 106 review process under the National Historic Preservation Act. This requires federal agencies to identify and assess the effects of projects they fund, license, or permit on properties listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The council facilitates consultation among the involved federal agency, State Historic Preservation Officers, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and other interested parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects. Beyond Section 106, the council develops and recommends national preservation policy to the President and Congress, issues regulations and guidance, and works to improve the integration of historic preservation into federal planning and decision-making processes across agencies like the Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense.

Structure and membership

The council is composed of a diverse membership as mandated by statute, ensuring representation from various levels of government and the public. The chair, currently attorney and scholar Sara C. Bronin, is appointed by the President. Other statutory members include the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of General Services, the Chair of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the President of the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, a governor, a mayor, and appointed experts in fields like archaeology, architecture, and history. This structure is designed to bring multiple perspectives to federal preservation policy. The council's day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director and professional staff based in its Washington, D.C. offices, who handle case reviews, policy development, and public outreach.

Key programs and initiatives

Beyond its regulatory role, the council manages several programs aimed at advancing preservation. The Preservation Initiatives program focuses on emerging issues such as climate change adaptation, the reuse of historic school buildings, and managing historic properties along the United States-Mexico border. The council also runs the Federal Preservation Institute, which provides training to federal agencies and preservation practitioners on compliance and best practices. It actively engages with Native American tribes through its Office of Native American Affairs, supporting the role of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers. Furthermore, the council administers the Historic Preservation Fund grant program for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and awards the annual Chairman's Award for Achievement in Historic Preservation.

Impact and criticism

The council has significantly influenced the national landscape by ensuring the consideration of historic resources in thousands of federal projects, from highway construction by the Federal Highway Administration to military base management by the Department of Defense. Its processes have led to the protection and adaptive reuse of countless historic buildings, archaeological sites, and traditional cultural properties. However, the council has faced criticism over the years; some developers and agencies argue the Section 106 process causes delays and increases costs for projects, while some preservation advocates and tribes contend the process can be too lenient, allowing avoidable damage to significant resources. The council continually works to streamline procedures and enhance tribal consultation in response to such feedback and evolving legal interpretations from courts like the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Category:1966 establishments in the United States Category:Historic preservation in the United States Category:Independent agencies of the United States government