ACRA members place protection of Section 106 and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) at the top of their list of priorities for the organization’s federal advocacy efforts.
That is one of the main findings from the first-ever ACRA Call for Issues, a survey of members’ views about the issues that matter the most to the CRM industry. The survey took place in December 2021.
According to the results, Section 106 and NEPA protection are the most important policy issues for the industry, followed closely by increasing funding for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), improving the ability of CRM firms to win federal contracts, investing in infrastructure and increasing diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Other notable findings from the survey include:
- A majority of respondents believe the Section 106 process works well, but most believe it can be improved.
- Two-thirds of respondents said they took part in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the pandemic, with a strong majority reporting that it was beneficial to their firms.
- Respondents are generally split on changing the Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications Standards and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requirements for federal archaeologists.
- A majority of respondents expressed interest in taking part in ACRA grassroots activities.
The survey helps ACRA ensure that its advocacy efforts in Washington on behalf of the industry reflect the priorities and interests of member firms.
ACRA has made protection of major environmental and cultural management laws its top priority for some time, including expressing concerns about efforts by the Trump administration to weaken Sec. 106 and NEPA. It also is working to advance recently introduced legislation to strengthen the HPF, address member concerns about the contracting process and promote a more diverse CRM industry.
To become more involved in ACRA’s advocacy efforts, contact ACRA Chief Lobbyist Andrew Goldberg.
To see a PowerPoint summary of the Call for Issues, click here.