WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO), and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have executed a Nationwide Programmatic Agreement (NPA) that will make it easier to maintain, repair, and upgrade their historic facilities to better address climate resiliency and sustainability.

“The federal government must lead the country’s efforts to protect historic places from increasing threats of global climate change, including sea level rise, extreme weather, floods, higher temperatures, and wildfires,” ACHP Chair Sara C. Bronin said. “This groundbreaking Nationwide Programmatic Agreement between the ACHP, NCSHPO, and the Department of Homeland Security both addresses the resiliency needs of the agency and provides an example for other agencies to adapt to and mitigate climate impacts, while simultaneously protecting historic buildings.”

The NPA covers DHS headquarters and all buildings managed by DHS and all of its component agencies nationwide. Through the streamlined process specified in the NPA, DHS intends to enhance climate resiliency and foster sustainability by reducing energy and water use, increasing the use of renewable energy, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Activities covered include sealing ducts, replacing and installing windows (including interior storm windows), upgrading lighting, installing water and energy metering, elevating mechanical equipment, installing solar systems and solar screens, installing flood shields and temporary waterproof membranes, among many others. 

“At DHS we anticipate a continued increase in resilience and sustainability projects over the next decade and beyond as we enhance operational readiness to respond to the impeding threats of climate change,” DHS Chief Readiness Support Officer Trae Watkins said. “We will use this streamlined approach to support cultural resource compliance in a timely manner and efficient manner. We appreciate the meaningful public engagement, stakeholder input, and collaboration of both the ACHP and National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers in the development of this effort.”

Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, federal agencies are required to consider effects to historic properties prior to approving any undertaking. A nationwide programmatic agreement is one among a number of administrative tools the ACHP can use to provide greater flexibility and tailored approaches for federal agencies as they work to ensure historic preservation interests are balanced with development needs. This NPA allows DHS to customize how it carries out reviews under Section 106 while continuing to promote the protection of historic properties that might be affected. This NPA also helps to implement the 2023 ACHP Policy Statement on Climate Change and Historic Preservation, which, among other things, encouraged consideration of Section 106 efficiencies that might address and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

About the ACHP: An independent federal agency, the ACHP promotes the economic, educational, environmental, sustainability, and cultural values of historic preservation and advises the President and Congress on national historic preservation policy. It also influences federal activities, programs, and policies that affect historic and cultural properties. See www.achp.gov for more information.