News & Events

Many of you are probably wondering how historic preservation is being affected by the many Executive Orders and directives being issued by President Trump’s administration. 

The most accurate, but not very satisfying, answer is that we are in a wait-and-see situation.

In early March, I attended National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week in Washington, DC. Organized by the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and nonprofit advocacy organization Preservation Action, the conference provided an opportunity to discuss issues with national preservation organizations and federal agencies, compare notes with other State Historic Preservation Officers, and meet with our Congressional delegates.

Much of the work that we carry out was established or is mandated under the National Historic Preservation Act. This includes the National Register program and review of federal projects (so-called “Section 106” review). The RIHPHC receives approximately 22% (FY2024) of our budget from the federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) to carry out those tasks, among others. 2% of fees from federal offshore oil leases – not tax-payer dollars – funds the HPF. Like other State Historic Preservation Offices, we funnel approximately 10% of our HPF funds through to Certified Local Government communities via grants, and what remains goes toward staff salaries. Increasing the HPF reauthorization level for the 2026 budget was a focus of Advocacy Week. Whether that will happen remains to be seen, but there was cautious optimism at Advocacy Week that, for fiscal year 2025, at least, the HPF would be level-funded.

I met with Senator Reed and Representative Amo, as well as staff from Senator Whitehouse’s and Representative Magaziner’s offices. We discussed federal preservation policy as well as preservation matters at home. We are fortunate to have a delegation that understands the importance of preservation, with strong track records of support. 

While there have been no direct changes to the National Register or Section 106 process, there have been indirect impacts. For example, the Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency changes the way we review certain projects. Shifting priorities may affect grant funding for preservation planning projects. Staffing cuts at federal agencies, including the National Park Service, will impact preservation on the national level, with potential trickle-down effects for the states.

In light of all this, there are reasons to be concerned about historic preservation. However, we know that historic preservation is an economic driver nationwide, and that there is support at the Congressional level. Now, more than ever, we are keeping in contact with our colleagues in Washington and around the country to stay aware of changes. We appreciate your continued support. 

Jeff Emidy

Executive Director

Rhode Island State Historic Preservation Officer

(5/5/25)