WASHINGTON, D.C. – ACHP Chair Sara Bronin today announced that the White House has appointed the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) as a member of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP).
“Historic preservation can improve our climate change response, reduce waste, and foster transportation-efficient communities,” Chair Bronin said. “At the same time, preservation can help us achieve our environmental justice goals, as we protect and adapt places underrepresented people hold dear. The ACHP welcomes the deeper engagement and partnership with the Council on Environmental Quality on these issues, now that it has become a member.”
The ACHP, an independent federal agency, consists of 24 statutorily designated members from federal agencies, preservation organizations, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, state government, and general public and experts. At times, membership is adjusted to bring additional insight and expertise to the ACHP and address issues of importance to all Americans.
“The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation plays a critical role in safeguarding the cultural and historic resources on behalf of all communities across America,” CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory said. “With growing pressures on these resources–including from climate change–we must redouble our efforts to preserve the many places and stories that shine a light on our past, and that illuminate the path to a bright and resilient future.”
CEQ coordinates the federal government’s efforts to improve, preserve, and protect America’s public health and environment, including important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of the national heritage. Created in 1969 by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and located within the Executive Office of the President, CEQ develops policies on climate change, environmental justice, federal sustainability, public lands, oceans, and wildlife conservation, among other areas. As the agency responsible for implementing NEPA, CEQ also works to ensure environmental reviews for infrastructure projects and federal actions are thorough, efficient, and reflect the input of the public and local communities.
CEQ, which had served as an observer on the ACHP since 2012, replaces the Department of Education as a member.