FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO) is calling on the Administration to do more to ensure Tribal Nations their concerns about pending regulations are taken seriously. Right now, as myriad Federal agencies work to remove protections under the National Environmental Policy Act, at least two agencies have provided contradictory deadlines for public comment. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) posted a deadline of July 30, 2025, in one location and August 4, 2025, in another. Similarly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) posted a deadline of July 31, 2025, in one location, and August 27, 2025, in another.

"As the Administration rushes to dismantle environmental protections Tribal Nations count on to safeguard their sacred places and cultural resources, they have a responsibility to consult with those Tribal Nations and ensure their concerns are taken seriously," said NATHPO Executive Director Dr. Valerie Grussing. "If these agencies are not even able to effectively post details of the comment deadlines, it is difficult to have any confidence they will engage in meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations. We call on the Administration to give Tribes this clarity and confidence, and we stand ready to assist however we can."

Specifically, NATHPO is calling on USDA, NOAA, and other federal agencies currently in the process of unwinding NEPA regulations to do the following:

1) Ensure comment deadlines are clear and consistent.

2) When those deadlines are not consistent, adopt the later of the two and accept comment through that later deadline.

3) Engage in meaningful nation-to-nation consultation with effected Tribal Nations and make adjustments when necessary for the Federal Government to fulfill its trust responsibilities and safeguard Tribes' sacred places and cultural resources.

Who we are – NATHPO is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization, founded in 1998, of Tribal preservation leaders protecting culturally important places that perpetuate Native identity, resilience, and cultural endurance. Connections to cultural heritage sustain the health and vitality of Native peoples. We provide guidance to preservation officials, elected representatives, and the public about national historic preservation legislation, policies, and regulations. We promote Tribal sovereignty, develop partnerships, and advocate for Tribes in governmental activities on preservation issues. For more information visit our website at www.nathpo.org.