DHS Section 106 Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Climate Resilience and Sustainability Undertakings on DHS-Owned Assets

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS or Department) is the third-largest federal agency with a vital mission to secure the nation from the many threats it faces. As the Department responds to the growing risks on operations from sea level rise, extreme weather events, floods, higher ambient temperatures, utility disruptions, and other impacts arising from global climate change, we have established ambitious goals to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, expand our inventory of sustainable buildings, increase energy efficiency, and conserve water at DHS-owned federal facilities.

The majority of DHS Components have a limited real property portfolio as business is conducted from property leased from, or managed by, other federal entities such as the General Services Administration (GSA). Departmental real property assets are very diverse, consisting of a variety of use types including administrative, warehouse, family housing, operation and detention centers, laboratories, shore facilities, training campuses, and include structures and land.

In the coming decade and beyond, DHS will fund hundreds of projects across the country and U.S. territories to increase sustainable buildings, reduce square footage, enhance resilience, utilize renewable energy, conduct environmental compliance and remediation, and benefit environmental justice communities. These actions are necessary to ensure the continued execution of the DHS mission under changing climatic conditions and risks. As we work to implement these projects effectively and in a timely manner, a streamlined approach was necessary for environmental and cultural resource stewardship and compliance.

Pursuant to the implementing regulations of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (36 C.F.R. 800) DHS worked with the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) to develop a Program Alternative.  DHS solicited public comment and initiated tribal consultation on September 13, 2023, accepting comments through December 1, 2023. Four information and listening sessions were held during this comment period.  A second comment period, two information sessions, and two tribal consultation meetings occurred from January 17 to February 27, 2024, on the revised draft document. The final Program Alternative, signed in June 2024, was the culmination of these meaningful engagement and interagency efforts. DHS will offer annual training and provide yearly reports to NCSHPO and the ACHP. Questions on the DHS Nationwide Programmatic Agreement can be sent to sep-ephp@hq.dhs.gov.