Video: Understanding and Responding to Federal Permitting Reform
The proposed federal permitting reform legislation (Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026) includes changes that could significantly weaken protections for historic and cultural resources. As currently drafted, the bill’s preservation provisions would limit meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations and preservation stakeholders, narrow the scope of Section 106 review, expand unilateral federal agency authority, and constrain judicial review.
On October 21, 2026, staff from the National Trust for Historic Preservation held an in-depth discussion of the bill's most concerning provisions and their potential impacts on communities and historic places nationwide. This webinar featured a technical analysis of key legislative language, insights into the current political landscape, and practical guidance on advocacy strategies.
Panelists:
Pam Bowman, Senior Director of Government Relations, National Trust
Chris Cody, Associate General Counsel, National Trust
Betsy Merritt, Deputy General Counsel, National Trust
Shaw Sprague, Vice President for Government Relations, National Trust
Links & Resources:
- Understanding And Responding To Federal Permitting Reform Slides (PDF)
- Principal Objections to the Historic Preservation Title of the BAAJA, S.5653 (PDF)
- National Preservation Partners Coalition Letter
- Section 106: Myth vs. Facts
- Advocacy Action – Tell your Senators: Oppose the bill as written and demand meaningful changes to its historic preservation provisions
- Story: Federal Permitting Reform Process 101
- Section 106 Threat – Resources
- Wall Street Journal Statement from National Trust
- Story: The Past, Present, and Future of the National Historic Preservation Act
- National Preservation Partners Coalition Letter
- Section 106: Myth vs. Facts
- Historic Preservation Defense Fund
Section 106 Regulations Revisions Links