Today, the US Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources met to examine the Section 106 Consultation Process. Words like "weaponized preservation", "environmental radicals" and a strong comment that the National Historic Preservation Act was "designed to protect our past but prevents our future" were used at the hearing, and we are discouraged by this lack of understanding by some of our federal representatives.

Section 106 is not a hindrance to progress. It creates a sacred level of community engagement to prevent valuable resources from being carelessly destroyed. As we witnessed with the White House demolition, the protections provided by Section 106 reviews are more critical than ever.

We are encouraged that ranking committee member Sen. Heinrich emphasized the value of the program, and dismissed delays as a result of lack of funding and job cuts, rather than an insurmountable process to navigate or mound of red tape.

We would encourage each of you to watch the hearing and if so compelled, reach out to members of the committee, listed here. While we know no Wisconsin representatives are on the committee, as citizens of this county you have every right to speak out in defense of preservation.

-Emma Rudd, Executive Director

Watch the hearing by clicking the image above, or following this link