PRESERVATION ACTION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
 



LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
VOLUME 22, NUMBER 31
SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

Bears Ears National Monument Threatened by Inadequate BLM Management Plan

The Bureau of Land Management released their Environmental Impact Study and management plan for Bears  Ears National Monument earlier this month. The plan is deeply flawed and inadequate and threatens the protection of Bears Ear's numerous historic and cultural resources.

The proposed plan only addresses the two smaller units created by the Trump Administration and fails to adequately incorporate input from concerned tribal nations. Additionally the plan does not sufficiently protect the more than 100,000 cultural and historic resources contained in the monument. Exposing these incredible sites to threats from oil and gas development, mining, and vandalism.

After years efforts, largely led by a coalition of Native tribes, President Obama designated Bears Ears as a National Monument in 2016 to preserve the incredible landscape and the collection of cultural, historic and natural sites within the monument. After a review of several National Monuments by the Trump Administration in 2017, President Trump signed a proclamation reducing the size of the monument by 85% and separating it into two small units. This action is currently being challenged in federal court by a coalition of 5 native tribes,  scientific organizations, and conservation and historic preservation groups, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Take action to oppose this proposed plan for Bears Ears National Monument! A public comment period is now open. Check out the National Trust for Historic Preservation's alert to learn more and submit your comments today! 

PA President Russ Carnahan Speaks at Minnesota Historic Preservation Conference

Preservation Action's President, Russ Carnahan was pleased to speak at Minnesota's annual Historic Preservation Conference today. He spoke to the gathered group about Preservation Action's latest efforts at the national level and stressed the importance of engaging in historic preservation advocacy. The presentation provided attendees with advocacy tools and included state specific information about Minnesota's congressional delegation. We appreciate the opportunity to participate and connect with preservation advocates in Minnesota.

The conference, hosted by the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office, was held in venues across historic downtown St. Cloud, MN, and featured numerous sessions, special events and tours.

Preservation Action hosts monthly calls with state and local preservation advocacy leaders and are always looking for further opportunities to engage with our preservation partners at the state level. Are you interested in Preservation Action participating in your next conference? Email Rob Naylor at rnaylor@preservationaction.org.
Legislation Creating a Historic Tax Credit Program in California Passes the Assembly and Moves to the Governor's Desk

Legislation to create a historic tax credit program in California passed the state Assembly with unanimous support this week and now moves to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. SB 451 has been making its way through the state legislature after previously passing the state Senate by a 36-0 vote in May. This important bill would create a 20% tax credit on qualified rehabilitation expenses, with a 25% tax credit for specific types of adaptive reuse. Under the legislation, $50 million would be allocated annually for the program. If approved, California would become the 36th state with a state historic tax credit program.

A previous attempt to establish a historic tax credit in California came up short in 2014, when previous Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed legislation that passed the state legislature with near unanimous support.

The California Preservation Foundation needs your help to get this bill across the finish line. They are asking California advocates to reach out to Gov. Newsom and urge him to support SB 451. Learn more and take action today!
Preservation Action Foundation's Annual Auction Returns on October 10th. Get Your Tickets Today


Join us in the Gallery of Denver's Union Station for Preservation Action Foundation's Legendary Party and Live Auction on October 10th, immediately following the opening reception of PastForward 2019. The annual auction has long been a highlight for the Preservation Action Foundation and of the National Preservation Conference. 

Built in 1881, Union Station is a landmark of the Bonanza Years of Railroads in Colorado. Sip complimentary wine, Colorado beers, and specialty cocktails while enjoying a Southwest-style buffet. Greet old preservation friends and meet new ones at the reception preceding the Preservation Action Foundation's legendary live auction.

Space is limited.



This is our largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the event are used to assist the education and training, advocacy, and programs of the Preservation Action Foundation. We are still seeking items, travel packages and hotel stays to auction off at our live and silent auction. Help support the auction, donate an auction item today. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. Learn more. 

Join Preservation Action's Annual Member Meeting in Denver

Preservation Action's annual member meeting will be on Friday, October 11th at 8:30am in Governor Square 11 at the Sheraton Downtown Denver. Our meeting is free and open to the public. More details will be available at the link below. Hope to see you there!


Preservation Action
2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW #313
Washington, DC 20006
p. 202-463-0970


Preservation Action is the only national  non-profit dedicated exclusively to lobbying for the best preservation policies at the federal level. We seek to make historic preservation a national priority by advocating to all branches of government through a grassroots constituency empowered with information and training.