What does the National Historic Preservation Act aim to establish?

The National Historic Preservation Act primarily aims to establish a national policy of historic preservation in the United States. This act, enacted in 1966, encourages the preservation of historical and archaeological sites, as well as buildings that hold significance to the American culture and history. It provides a framework for federal, state, and local preservation efforts and establishes the National Register of Historic Places, which recognizes and protects important sites across the nation. The goal of this act is to promote the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage for future generations, ensuring that significant landmarks and locations are safeguarded and maintained.

In contrast, while contractor licensing regulates the practice of contractors to ensure quality and compliance, it is unrelated to historic preservation. Environmental assessments focus on evaluating potential impacts of projects on the environment rather than on historical significance. Workplace safety regulations pertain to protecting workers in their work environments, which is not the focus of the National Historic Preservation Act. Thus, the aim of the act to establish a national policy of historic preservation stands out as the core element of its purpose.