Think Out Loud

Proposed changes to National Historic Preservation Act could exclude Native American input on federal projects

By Gemma DiCarlo (OPB)
Sept. 3, 2026 1 p.m.

Broadcast: Thursday, Sept. 3

The Trump administration is trying to loosen regulations around development projects on historic and culturally significant land. Proposed changes to the National Historic Preservation Act would make it optional for federal agencies to consult with Native American nations about these projects, as reported locally in Underscore Native News. The proposal would also change the definition of a historic property to exclude mountains, rivers and other landscape features that tribes consider sacred or culturally significant.

Crystal Miller is the cultural sovereignty director for the Association on American Indian Affairs. She joins us to talk about what the changes could mean for tribal sovereignty.

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