U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

30–284 WASHINGTON : 2019

S. HRG. 115–517 

JORJANI NOMINATION 

HEARING 

BEFORE THE 

COMMITTEE ON 

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

UNITED STATES SENATE 

ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS 

SECOND SESSION 

TO

CONSIDER THE NOMINATION OF AIMEE KATHRYN JORJANI TO BE 

CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION 

MAY 15, 2018 

( 

Printed for the use of the 

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 

Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov 
(II) 

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska, Chairman 

JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming 

JAMES E. RISCH, Idaho 

MIKE LEE, Utah 

JEFF FLAKE, Arizona 

STEVE DAINES, Montana 

CORY GARDNER, Colorado 

LAMAR ALEXANDER, Tennessee 

JOHN HOEVEN, North Dakota 

BILL CASSIDY, Louisiana 

ROB PORTMAN, Ohio 

SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia 

MARIA CANTWELL, Washington 

RON WYDEN, Oregon 

BERNARD SANDERS, Vermont 

DEBBIE STABENOW, Michigan 

JOE MANCHIN III, West Virginia 

MARTIN HEINRICH, New Mexico 

MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii 

ANGUS S. KING, JR., Maine 

TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois 

CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, Nevada 

TINA SMITH, Minnesota 

BRIAN HUGHES, Staff Director 

PATRICK J. MCCORMICK III, Chief Counsel 

KELLIE DONNELLY, Deputy Chief Counsel 

MARY LOUISE WAGNER, Democratic Staff Director 

SAM E. FOWLER, Democratic Chief Counsel 
(III) 

C O N T E N T S 

OPENING STATEMENTS 

Page 

Murkowski, Hon. Lisa, Chairman and a U.S. Senator from Alaska ................... 1 

Cantwell, Hon. Maria, Ranking Member and a U.S. Senator from Washington .................................................................................................................... 2 

WITNESS 

Jorjani, Aimee Kathryn, nominated to be Chairman of the Advisory Council 

on Historic Preservation ...................................................................................... 3 

ALPHABETICAL LISTING AND APPENDIX MATERIAL SUBMITTED 

Bradley, Betsy H.: 

Letter for the Record ........................................................................................ 24 

Cantwell, Hon. Maria: 

Opening Statement ........................................................................................... 2 

Gardner, Hon. Cory: 

Statement for the Record ................................................................................. 25 

Jorjani, Aimee Kathryn: 

Opening Statement ........................................................................................... 3 

Written Testimony ............................................................................................ 5 

Responses to Questions for the Record ........................................................... 20 

Kraus, D. Bambi: 

Letter for the Record ........................................................................................ 26 

Murkowski, Hon. Lisa: 

Opening Statement ........................................................................................... 1 

Scarlett, Hon. Lynn: 

Letter for the Record ........................................................................................ 27 

Walker, Hon. Scott: 

Letter for the Record ........................................................................................ 29 

(1) 

JORJANI NOMINATION 

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2018 

U.S. SENATE, COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Washington, DC. 

The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:05 a.m. in Room 

SD–366, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Lisa Murkowski, 

Chairman of the Committee, presiding. 

OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. LISA MURKOWSKI, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA 

The CHAIRMAN. Good morning. The Committee will come to 

order. 

We are here to consider the nomination of Aimee Kathryn 

Jorjani to be the Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). Her nomination is to complete a four-year term 

that expires on June 10, 2021, just a little over three years from 

now. 

For those who are not familiar with it, the Advisory Council on 

Historic Preservation is an independent federal agency that Congress created back in 1966 through the passage of the National 

Historic Preservation Act. According to its mission statement, the 

Council ‘‘promotes the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable 

use of our nation’s diverse historic resources, and advises the President and the Congress on national historic preservation policy.’’ 

While it may be relatively unknown to many Americans, this is an 

important Council. 

In addition to the advice that it provides to Congress and the 

President, the Council oversees the Section 106 review process, 

which determines whether projects that receive federal funds, or 

require federal permits, will affect properties listed on, or eligible 

for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places. 

With the right leadership, this Council will be an advocate for 

the historic preservation of America’s most important sites. It will 

also be a watchdog of sorts, providing accountability to ensure the 

National Historic Preservation Act is not used to delay or halt 

projects and investments. 

This is the first time we have had a nominee for Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation before the Committee. The 

reason we are considering this nomination this morning is that we 

passed the National Park Service Centennial Act at the end of 

2016. Senator Portman led that, which amended previous law to 

upgrade the Chairman to a full-time position, thus subject to Senate confirmation. 
2 

The President’s choice for Chair, Aimee Jorjani, appears to be 

very well-qualified for this role, both in education and professional 

experience. She has completed a master’s degree in historic preservation. She has previously served at the Department of the Interior, including six years as Special Assistant for Historic Preservation, during the Bush Administration. During that time, she was 

also selected as the first Department-wide Historic Preservation 

Officer. 

Ms. Jorjani, welcome to the Committee. Thank you for your willingness to serve and, after Senator Cantwell provides her remarks, 

we will welcome your comments today as well as the introduction 

of any family that you may have with you. 

Senator Cantwell. 

STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON 

Senator CANTWELL. Thank you, Madam Chair, and welcome, Ms. 

Jorjani and your family. 

We have not had a lot of time here on the Committee overseeing 

the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, so I am pleased to 

have this opportunity to focus on it and the Council this morning. 

As you mentioned, this is the first time the Committee has considered a nomination for Chair of the Council. The Council has 

been around for more than 50 years and it was established by the 

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which you mentioned, 

which was written by our former Chair, Senator Scoop Jackson. 

Senator Jackson eloquently said, ‘‘Our great nation draws much of 

its strength from sound traditions and culture.’’ He believed we 

must build for the future, ‘‘in harmony, with the nobility and the 

greatness of the past.’’ 

The purpose of the Historic Preservation Act was to ensure that 

our historic foundation would be preserved and that our future 

would be built in harmony with this greatness. 

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation was created as an 

independent agency to ensure that federal agencies take our national heritage into account before they take actions that might destroy or substantially alter nationally significant historical sites. 

The Council’s job is to ensure that federal agencies are good 

stewards of our national heritage and that they preserve and protect historic properties they own and control. This is an important 

mission. 

For over 50 years, the Chair of the Advisory Council worked 

part-time and without Senate confirmation. So I am pleased that 

you are here this morning after the law changed to have your nomination heard. 

I think this change is in keeping with the importance of the office and its mission. I hope the change will increase the stature and 

independence of the Council and strengthen their voice within this 

Administration. 

I look forward to hearing your comments this morning. Again, 

congratulations on your nomination. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Senator Cantwell. 

Ms. Jorjani, welcome to the Committee. We are pleased to have 

you with us. 
3 

If you would like to provide your comments, and then we will 

have an opportunity to ask what questions we may have. Again, 

welcome and welcome to your family. 

STATEMENT OF AIMEE KATHRYN JORJANI NOMINATED TO BE 

CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION 

Ms. JORJANI. Thank you. 

Chairman Murkowski and Senator Cantwell, Senator Portman, 

members of the Committee, it is my honor to appear today before 

you as the President’s nominee of Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. I am delighted to be a part of this 

hearing during the month of May, which is typically celebrated as 

Preservation Month. 

I am joined this morning by my son, Nicholas, daughters, Lucy 

and Flora, and my husband. When not at the hockey rink or little 

league field, we are often a package deal at many parks, museums 

and historic sites wherever we can get. Today, they lucked out to 

miss school to be with me. 

My fascination with historic preservation blossomed while growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, admiring the many Cream City 

brick buildings built by German and Polish-Americans. Cream City 

was named for the light color of the local clay and as a tribute to 

the city’s frothy brewing heritage. 

While many of those buildings sat underutilized in my youth, I 

always saw beauty in them. Many of those buildings have since 

been restored or re-adapted through historic preservations and incentives spurring economic development and keeping history alive. 

As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and a high school library 

assistant who taught their children a strong work ethic, I was 

proud to become, be the first Mikolajek in my family to earn a degree. I later worked for a then-junior member of Congress, Paul 

Ryan, from Wisconsin. Working for Speaker Ryan afforded me the 

honor of serving my fellow Wisconsinites. Witnessing history firsthand alongside Speaker Ryan on September 11th is something I 

will never forget. That time instilled in me a greater understanding 

of the importance of learning American history and preserving 

places associated with it. 

I was then blessed with the opportunity to preserve—pursue an 

interest in historic preservation as the advisor to the Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Interior. I had a unique vantage 

point working directly with the Chief Operating Officer of a vast 

cabinet agency. I saw how she managed and communicated effectively and efficiently. For the lead agency, I was charged with overseeing the implementation of the Preserve America program. 

My portfolio allowed me to work in close coordination with the 

ACHP, the National Park Service and other agencies and partners. 

I worked on budget justifications for the Historic Preservation 

Fund, and I worked to create a justification utilizing the types of 

services Tribal Historic Preservation Officers provide in assuming 

their responsibilities as an expression of tribal sovereignty. 

I was intimately involved in all seven rounds of the Preserve 

America grants assembling interagency review teams and ensuring 

consistency in their reviews. The program was a tool to utilize local 
4 

heritage in a productive and sustainable way. During that time, we 

enabled a network of over 900 communities in all 50 states. 

I managed Deputy Secretary Scarlett’s role as Co-Chair for the 

Interagency Preserve America Steering Committee during 52 

monthly meetings. I achieved this while also serving as Interior’s 

first Historic Preservation Officer and managing the responsibilities of eight bureaus in complying with the Preserve America Executive Order. Through these management experiences, I developed 

a strong working knowledge of the National Preservation Program 

and its decentralized structure. I also served as Preserve America’s 

point of contact with CEQ, the East Wing, OMB and Congress. I 

was later part of the effort to successfully authorize Preserve 

America into law. 

As the inevitable end to my tenure at Interior was approaching, 

I knew I needed an advanced degree to continue working in the 

field I learned to love so dearly. I pursued my Master’s in Historic 

Preservation while starting and raising my young family. I have 

managed to fulfill my dream of being a mom while also remaining 

actively engaged in the pursuit of my interest in historic preservation. 

Along the way, I learned through various projects the challenges 

partners face in implementing the National Preservation Program 

on behalf of the Federal Government. I served on two boards of national preservation organizations, offered guidance on federal task 

force and have dragged my children to many, many historic sites 

of interest. 

If confirmed, I look forward to working with the Congress, the 

Administration and stakeholders to ensure that cultural resources 

are considered at the earliest stages of project planning to avoid 

process delays. I also look forward to examining ways to bring the 

digitalization of historic property information to the 21st century to 

create more efficiencies for project planning. 

Thank you for this opportunity to testify. I would be happy to answer any questions the Committee may have. 

[The prepared statement of Ms. Jorjani follows:] 
5 

Statement of Aimee Kathryn Jorjani 

Nominee for the Position of Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

Before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 

United States Senate 

May 15,2018 

Chairman Murkowski, Senator Cantwell, and Members of the Committee, it is my honor to 

appear before you today as the nominee for the position of Chairman of the Advisory Council on 

Historic Preservation. I am delighted to be a part of this hearing during the month of May, which 

is typically known as Preservation Month. 

I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where my fascination with historic preservation began 

admiring the many Cream City brick buildings built by German and Polish-Americans. Cream 

City was named for the light color of the local clay and as a tribute to the city's frothy brewing 

heritage. While many of those buildings sat underutilized in my youth, I always saw beauty in 

them. They represented our city's heritage and was locally-sourced to build a corner tavern, 

factory, warehouse, church, theater, or home. Many of those buildings have since been restored 

or re-adapted through historic preservation programs and incentives spurring economic 

development and keeping history alive. Today, local media and publications regularly highlight 

hidden gems and neighborhoods and take us along an urban adventure to both remember the past 

while embracing it for the future. Milwaukee's historic built environment is now hip. 

As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and a high school library assistant who taught my siblings 

and 1 midwestern values and a strong work ethic, I was proud to become the first member of my 

family to earn a college degree. Truth be told, I had worked so many jobs since the age of 

thirteen that the rigors of earning a degree were a welcomed change of pace. 

After college, I worked for several years for a then-junior member of Congress, Paul Ryan from 

Wisconsin. Working for Speaker Ryan afforded me the honor of serving my fellow 

Wisconsinites as well as our great nation. Witnessing history first-hand alongside Speaker Ryan 

on September 11th was an experience I will never forget. Experiencing that horrific tragedy did 

have two positive impacts on me. First, at the end of the day, our proud flag was still there 

f1ying across the street. Second, witnessing such an historic moment instilled in me a greater 

understanding of the importance of learning American history and preserving the places where 

the events that shape our nation occur. 

Following my tenure on Capitol Hill. I was blessed with the opportunity to continue pursuing 

my passion tor preservation as a senior advisor to the Deputy Secretary of the Department of the 

Interior for seven years. Working directly for the Chief Operating Officer of a cabinet agency 

with 70,000 employees and 280,000 volunteers operating in 2,400 locations with a $12 billion 

budget, I saw how Deputy Secretary Scarlett managed effectively and efliciently with both 

formal and informal authority. In that capacity, I was charged with overseeing the establishment 

and implementation of the Preserve America program among others. My portfolio of issues at 
6 

the Department afforded me the opportunity to work in close coordination with the Advisory 

Council on Historic Preservation, the National Park Service and other agencies and partners. 

1 assisted in the budget formulation process and justification for the Historic Preservation Fund. 

I worked to create a justification utilizing the unique types of services Tribal Historic 

Preservation Officers provide in assuming preservation responsibilities as an active expression of 

tribal sovereignty. I was intimately involved in seven rounds of Preserve America grants 

awarded under the program over three years where I assembled several inter-agency review 

teams, ensured that applications were reviewed consistently, and awarded within a set-time 

frame. The program was a tool to utilize local heritage in a productive and sustainable way. 

During that time, we enabled a network of more than 900 participating communities in all 50 

states. l also managed and staffed the interagency Preserve America Steering Committee during 

fifty-two monthly meetings for the Co-Chair. I achieved this while also working on other 

historic preservation-related tasks for the Secretary and while serving as the Department's first 

Historic Preservation Officer to coordinate eight bureaus and their responsibilities in complying 

with the Preserve America Executive Order. 

Through this work l developed a strong working knowledge of the national preservation program 

and its unique decentralized structure. I also served as the political point of contact for Preserve 

America as it grew for CEQ, the East Wing, OMB, the Hill, and many senior policy officials 

throughout the government. [worked closely with the Historic Preservation Caucus on the Hill 

and was later part of the effort to authorize the Preserve America program into law. Through all 

these management experiences, I remained focused on creating long-term value by delivering 

high performance with high integrity. 

In order to continue work in what became a passion as the inevitable end to my tenure at Interior 

was approaching in 2008 and despite all we accomplished, I knew I needed an advanced degree 

to comply with certain standards. l pursued my Masters in Historic Preservation at Goucher 

College while starting and raising a young family alongside my supportive husband Dan. My 

graduate studies addressed the issue of performance management in federal historic preservation 

grantmaking and received Goucher's award for best historic preservation master's thesis of the 

year. 

In the interim since serving at the Department of the Interior I have managed to fulfill my dream 

of being a mom while also remaining actively engaged in the pursuit of my passion for historic 

preservation. Along the way, various projects afforded me with the opportunity to learn 

challenges State Historic Preservation Officers face in implementing the National Historic 

Preservation Act on behalf of the federal government and think creatively of ways to attract 

visitors to a historic scenic railroad in New Mexico and Colorado. l served on two boards of 

national preservation organizations, offered guidance on a national task force, and have dragged 

my children to many, many historic places of interest. 

l am deeply honored and humbled to have been nominated as the first Senate eon firmed, fulltime Chairman of the ACHP. Having a full-time Chair will be beneficial to the national 

preservation program as an emergent role of being a key collaborate partner. l will devote time 

to resolving complex issues within the federal interagency process and with other Administration 

2 
7 

officials. I will seek opportunities to better communicate among governments at all levels, the 

nonprofit community and the private sector while utilizing many existing preservation tools. 

If confirmed, I am eager to examine agency preservation policies and actions in a manner that 

furthers stewardship of historic properties while respecting the agencies' primary missions. In 

the spirit of Preserve America, [will seek to facilitate preservation programs and projects for 

contemporary purposes in a manner that furthers, not impedes economic development and 

heritage tourism. [look forward to working with the Congress, the Administration, and 

stakeholders, including Tribes and states, to ensure that cultural resources are considered at the 

earliest stages of project planning to avoid process delays. I also look forward to examining 

ways to bring the digitization of historic property information to the 21st century in order to 

create more efficiencies for project planning. 

Thank you for this opportunity to testify, I would be happy to answer any questions members of 

the committee may have. 

3 
8 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Ms. Jorjani. 

I have to start off with an apology. We neglected to have you 

stand and be sworn which is the requirement before the Committee 

for all nominees. 

At this point in time, I would ask that you stand and raise your 

right hand. 

Ms. JORJANI. Yes. 

The CHAIRMAN. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you 

are about to provide the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural 

Resources shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the 

truth? 

Ms. JORJANI. Yes. 

The CHAIRMAN. You can go ahead and be seated. 

Will you be available to appear before this Committee and other 

Congressional committees to represent departmental positions and 

respond to issues of concern to the Congress? 

Ms. JORJANI. Yes. 

The CHAIRMAN. Are you aware of any personal holdings, investments or interests that could constitute a conflict or create the appearance of such a conflict should you be confirmed and assume the 

office to which you have been nominated by the President? 

Ms. JORJANI. No. 

The CHAIRMAN. Are you involved or do you have any assets held 

in a blind trust? 

Ms. JORJANI. No. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. 

Again, your opening statement that you have provided us as well 

as your full written statement are incorporated as part of the 

record. 

Let me ask a very broad question to you. As has been noted by 

both myself and Senator Cantwell, you are the first person to be 

nominated to chair the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

elevated from a part-time chair to a full-time role. The first now 

to become subject to Senate confirmation. The intention with the 

passage of the National Park Service Centennial Act was to really 

strengthen the advisory and the advocacy role of the Advisory 

Council on Historic Preservation in, not only working with the Congress and the Administration, but with the states as well. 

The general and more broad question to you this morning is how 

do you intend to take this newly defined role and raise the profile 

of the Advisory Council and just what you view as a newly defined 

or a redefined role for the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation? 

Ms. JORJANI. Thank you for that question. 

As the first leader, it is important that I set a mark as to how 

the agency is run and viewed in its advisory role and as an independent agency that does not report to another greater cabinet 

level agency. 

I do—will adhere to the operating procedures as set by the board 

membership. The board membership sets the policy. We’ve got an 

Executive Director that manages the staff, but in my role, I will be 

implementing the policy working with the members of the Committee. 
9 

What I learned through Preserve America was the interagency 

collaborations that took place so regularly, then during my time at 

the Interior Department, and I hope to cultivate those relations 

again and having a seat at the table for the Federal One decision, 

the MOU that was recently signed, especially as it relates to the 

infrastructure possibilities. This position now allows for a full-time 

position at that table. 

The CHAIRMAN. Will you commit to working with those of us here 

in Congress on important policies like tribal consultation and historic review processes? 

Ms. JORJANI. Yes, I very much look forward to doing that. 

The CHAIRMAN. Good, good. 

Thank you. 

Senator Cantwell. 

Senator CANTWELL. Thank you, Madam Chair. 

I am so delighted to meet your family and so impressed that your 

son, at the mention of Lewis and Clark, was able to quote them, 

‘‘Ocean in view.’’ Obviously you are living a very historic shared experience with your family. 

On that point, the Chair just asked about Native American sites, 

and we have just had this big discussion as it related to the Dakota 

Access Pipeline. What role will you play in preserving the places 

that are sacred or essential to traditional way of life for Native 

Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians? 

Ms. JORJANI. Thank you. 

I’m aware that the ACHP has done a lot of work in promoting 

effective and efficient tribal consultation. The biggest thing is that 

agencies get involved with tribes very early in the process. The law 

requires them on a government-to-government basis. 

One of my priorities will certainly be to do what the ACHP can 

do to improve any of these efficiencies within the process. I look 

forward to working with one of our board members and a fellow 

Goucher graduate who is our tribal member on learning more 

about working efficiently and effectively and respectfully with 

tribes. 

Senator CANTWELL. Well, you will be an independent voice, if 

needed, for them. 

Ms. JORJANI. Certainly, yes. 

Senator CANTWELL. Thank you. 

What changes do you see in directing the Council, particularly in 

relation to the Executive Director’s traditional role of overseeing 

and directing the Council’s professional staff? 

Ms. JORJANI. There is a current review with the operating procedures to update them and then there will also be a strategic plan 

process that it needs. It’s required of a revision at the moment. 

So, those are the first few things, if confirmed, I look forward to 

working with the board membership on. 

Senator CANTWELL. Okay. 

And what are some of your goals from a policy perspective or programs that you want to pursue? 

Ms. JORJANI. My—a program near and dear to my heart, of 

course, is the Preserve America initiative. It simply offered a variety of tools for all Americans to share their stories and histories 
10 

and then, of course, there’s the Save America’s Treasures program 

that has recently been refunded. 

Working along the lines with the Historic Preservation Fund and 

the tools offered within that, I hope to work with states and tribes 

and their needs in implementing the Federal Preservation program 

on behalf of the Federal Government. 

Senator CANTWELL. So do you think you will include recommendations, maybe, about future sources of investment as well 

or——? 

Ms. JORJANI. Certainly, I would like to, you know, gather a group 

of sorts with fresh eyes to review some of these issues as they arise 

related to efficiencies, accounting for historic preservation grants, 

a variety of tools that states could better utilize such as digitization 

efforts, all this, you know, in the spirit of Section 106 efficiencies. 

Senator CANTWELL. Well, thank you for mentioning digitization 

because that is exactly what I had in mind. 

We do such a good job of preserving various things, but then we 

have limited ourselves to the onsite communication which after a 

while, you know, a couple of decades is just not as comprehensive 

as we could be in today’s era. 

I hope that you will take that charge on aggressively because I 

think there is so much that people would like to know. It is almost 

as if we could just open up a whole new educational experience if 

we just had the right resources and communication. 

There is just so much more we could convey about these sites, 

even the example you gave of your own love in your home State 

of Wisconsin. There is so much there you could go on and on and 

on about if we had that kind of connectivity to it. 

I will look forward to hearing your recommendations on that. 

Thank you, Madam Chair. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Senator Cantwell. 

Senator Portman. 

Senator PORTMAN. Thank you, Madam Chair. 

To both of you, thanks for holding this hearing because, I think, 

this is a really important topic, but also because this is a historic 

moment. 

To your children who are here today, being very patient and polite, your mom is the first Chair ever of this organization. We are 

making history as we sit here this morning because, I believe, she 

is going to be confirmed and she will actually get the job which is 

what this is all about. 

As you know, the National Park Service Centennial Act that the 

Chair talked about earlier creates this position as a full-time, professional position. I think that is really important. 

You know, John Nau, who currently serves on the Foundation, 

he was one of the strong advocates that has served as Chair in the 

past as a volunteer, realizing that it really requires somebody to 

be full-time engaged and confirmed by the Senate so we have more 

opportunity to dialogue with you and more accountability as a result. 

I am delighted you are here and that you were chosen by the Administration, and I think you are a great pick. I think you have the 

right academic credentials. That little Paul Ryan thing is, you 

know, I won’t hold that against you. 
11 

[Laughter.] 

No, seriously, that is great too and great experience at the Department. So we are proud of you. 

I know that you know this, but in Ohio we’ve got a lot of places 

on the National Register of Historic Places. In fact, we have about 

4,000 of them and one that someday maybe you will visit is called 

the Golden Lamb Inn, the oldest continuous operating business in 

Ohio that has been in my family for 92 years. I remember when 

my mom applied with the register to be named and went through 

the whole process, and we are very proud of that structure and in 

keeping it going and historic. 

One of the things that you’ve got to figure out is how to deal with 

the priority of historic preservation along with the economic realities which is that we also want to be sure that infrastructure, energy, broadband and other developments continue and can be done 

consistent with historic preservation. 

There is an issue that you are going to come up against on the 

Advisory Council which is the approval of the FCC, the Federal 

Communication Commission, program on the so-called, Twilight 

Towers. These are the cell towers that were built during this period 

between 2001 and 2004 and they are, sort of, orphans. They are not 

considered part of the old regime, or the new regime, necessarily. 

Those that were built during that time have not had the FCC develop rules, fully develop rules, regarding the administration of the 

historic preservation reviews under Section 106 of the National 

Historic Preservation Act. 

One of the concerns that we have in rural Ohio, particularly— 

and I am sure my colleagues from West Virginia, as well as Alaska 

and Washington, have the same issue—is how are we going to 

build out broadband services—rural broadband is a big priority of 

mine and it is in our state, particularly, again, to rural parts of our 

state. 

We’ve got about 4,200 twilight towers across the country and this 

FCC program comment which was approved by unanimous consent 

or unanimous bipartisan vote, I think, presents an opportunity to 

both have historic preservation and expand these internet coverage 

opportunities, including rural broadband by making it easier to colocate wireless services on existing infrastructure. 

Since you will be required to vote on this comment before it goes 

into effect, I wanted to ask you what your views are on it. Do you 

agree that a solution is needed to clarify the status of twilight towers and make it easier to leverage these existing structures for 

broadband development? 

Ms. JORJANI. I do agree this needs to be worked with. The Section 106 process is there to accommodate for these needs and so 

whether it is wireless or infrastructure energy developments, it can 

operate, you know, the ACHP’s board membership will work with— 

it is an issue I have not worked on personally. I have heard a lot 

of it. I certainly look forward to finding a solution to this set of towers that were built during this period that slid, I guess, by without 

the Section 106 review process. The infrastructure is there. It 

would be a shame not to utilize it. So I look forward to working 

and examining this issue. 

Senator PORTMAN. Great. 
12 

Well, we look forward to working with you. Please stay in touch 

with us on it. 

There are about a million Ohioans who do not have internet access to their home, and we are pushing on that. This is one way 

to ensure that the co-location, done properly, can provide that access. So we look forward to working with you. 

You are also going to be a member of the Federal Permitting 

Council. 

Ms. JORJANI. Yes. 

Senator PORTMAN. I hope you will take that role seriously and 

attend those meetings. This is legislation that we passed, gosh, 

about three years. Senator Murkowski and I are the co-authors of 

that and we are proud of the fact that the Council is now meeting, 

the Interagency Council. But we have to be sure that your voice is 

heard there. I hope you will be involved in, again, this is an effort 

to have a permitting process that makes sense, that can be streamlined and meeting the goals of historic preservation while doing so, 

not harming the economic development that all of us want to see. 

Will you commit to attending those meetings and being engaged in 

that as well? 

Ms. JORJANI. Yes, and I appreciate all the work you’ve done to 

create this Steering Council. 

Senator PORTMAN. Great. 

Well, again, congratulations to you and to your family. 

Chairman Jorjani is going to sound good, or Chair Jorjani or 

Chairwoman Jorjani. I am not sure how you are going to do it, but 

we look forward to working with you. 

Ms. JORJANI. Thank you, Senator. 

Senator PORTMAN. Thank you, Madam Chair. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Senator Portman. 

Senator Heinrich. 

Senator HEINRICH. Thank you, Madam Chair. 

Ms. Jorjani, tell me a little bit more about your experience and 

your level of experience and exposure to the tribal consultation 

process. 

Ms. JORJANI. I have not worked personally with tribal consultation. I know the Advisory Council has produced a wide range of 

guidance documents related to it. 

I certainly look forward to working with our Native American 

member on the board, and I’ve worked a little bit as it relates 

to—— 

Senator HEINRICH. You recognize that that is a government-togovernment process though, correct? 

Ms. JORJANI. Yes, yes. 

Senator HEINRICH. And I raise that simply because there have 

been efforts within the Administration in just recent days in other 

agencies to redefine that relationship as one of race rather than of 

governance. I think that is a very fundamental issue with respect 

to this position. 

Ms. JORJANI. Yes, I view it as a government-to-government relationship. 

Senator HEINRICH. What is your level of knowledge about the 

Chaco Canyon National Historical Park? It is a world heritage site 
13 

in New Mexico in the Greater Chaco area. Are you familiar with 

a little bit of the history there? 

Ms. JORJANI. A little bit. 

Senator HEINRICH. I raise that because we have had a buffer 

zone in place, sort of a detente in recent years, within ten miles 

of Chaco Canyon National Historical Park that has served us well. 

There is a lot of oil and gas. It is in the San Juan Basin which 

is a highly productive energy basin. The concern has been, certainly, one of protecting the integrity of that site and to not have 

high intensity industry within an obvious line of sight of the park. 

The BLM actually offered some leases inside the buffer recently 

which, sort of, broke the detente and to his credit at the urging of 

our delegation, Secretary Zinke announced pulling those potential 

leases back. 

I would just urge you to familiarize yourself with this. I think it 

is going to be a very big historical issue moving forward. I am 

going to continue to engage with New Mexico’s tribes and pueblos 

about Greater Chaco’s future, and I intend to offer legislation to 

formalize the mineral withdrawal inside that buffer zone, at least 

with respect to the BLM lands. But I just urge you to take a close 

look at that. I think it may be something that is coming your way 

in your future role and I urge you, good luck. 

Ms. JORJANI. Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Senator. 

Senator Capito. 

Senator CAPITO. Thank you, Madam Chair. 

Thank you for your willingness to serve and thank you for the 

visit last week in my office. I, too, have been admiring your children. They are just great. 

I want to, kind of, go to the same place that Senator Portman 

did, in terms—and we, kind of, touched on this a little bit when 

you were in the office because like Ohio, West Virginia has— 

broadband deployment is lacking and a lot of laying the fiber and 

you can encounter permitting difficulties. 

There are less obvious situations, for instance, not so much that 

you are putting a facility on or in a site that is considered part of 

the historic preservation, but you are within the viewshed of the— 

so it is a more expanded view. 

I understand that in March the FCC issued a report stating that 

the deployment of next generation 5G wireless does not constitute 

a federal undertaking. Do you agree with the FCC’s assessment 

here? And do you know if the ACHP participated with the FCC in 

this report because I understand there is another report coming. 

Anything you know about that? 

Ms. JORJANI. I am assuming ACHP worked with FCC in expressing their views on that, what became an ultimate decision away 

from the Section 106 process and this is an ongoing issue and if 

confirmed, I certainly look to—will be interested in learning more 

about this and seeing what additional tools could be available. 

Senator CAPITO. So would you pledge to work with the stakeholders and, I mean, you basically have just said this, but just repeating that to formulate best practices. Obviously, this is something, as you are reaching those last miles for broadband deploy-
14 

ment, any stumbling blocks are very difficult to get over and expensive. Working together, I think, makes a lot of sense. 

Ms. JORJANI. I certainly look forward to working with stakeholders on this. 

Senator CAPITO. Good. Thank you. 

We talked a little bit about your counterparts in states. Certainly, Susan Pearson in West Virginia has been in her position as 

the State Historic Preservation Officer and does a great job. 

What kind of relationship do you think you need to be building 

with our states and how can you be of help to them and how can 

they be of help to you? 

Ms. JORJANI. If confirmed, I very much look forward to working 

with all the states. I know they all collectively come to town at 

least once a year and I certainly look forward to engaging with 

them and working with them. They implement the National Preservation Program on behalf of the Federal Government. 

Senator CAPITO. Right. 

Ms. JORJANI. They are assigned with, you know, primary, like 

nine primary tasks associated with implementing this National 

Preservation Program, a lot of which work with the National Park 

Service. 

I very much look forward to working to see how, again, 

digitization efforts can, you know, learn from best practices. I know 

there’s lots of good states that have done very good things with 

digitization. 

Washington State would be an example and I know Wisconsin as 

well. 

I know the good work that the SHPOs, as they are known, do. 

And I very much look forward to working with them and having 

very open communication. 

Senator CAPITO. Well, I think the fact that you are going to be 

in a full-time position here is really, I think, one way that you are 

going to be able to capitalize on and build stronger relationships 

there with the continuity factor of having a full-time director. 

I wish you the best of luck. I certainly will be supportive of you 

and look forward to working with you. 

Thank you. 

Ms. JORJANI. Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Senator Capito. 

Just a couple more questions for you, Ms. Jorjani, and the first 

one relates to the Section 106 and the NEPA review process. 

There has been a long history of complaints that the authority 

under Section 106 has been abused in the NEPA environmental review process to either delay or even halt projects. We have heard 

from one water district that it was required to undergo a Section 

106 analysis and pay mitigation because a pumping plant project 

was found to impact the concrete lining of an operating canal that 

was over 50 years old. So the historic property that was at issue 

here was a 50-year-old concrete lining. 

Now, I look at that and it is like, wait a minute, this is not what 

we had intended. An example like that is one where we saw a 

delay to upgrades and upgrades would have improved operational 

efficiencies. But you know, when you engage in certain processes 

that add unnecessary or perhaps unreasonable cost to a project, 
15 

oftentimes you look at them and say, it is just not worth it to go 

there. 

In light of some of the recent efforts by DOI and the U.S. Forest 

Service to streamline the environmental review process, what role 

do you think the Advisory Council can play to facilitate a more 

streamlined review process, still give the important input that is 

needed but making it more streamlined, more efficient and really 

make sure that these projects are completed in a timely fashion? 

How do we move forward with this and address the concerns that 

have been expressed? 

This is just one example, and I am sure you are familiar with 

a great many. 

Ms. JORJANI. I do hear several of these types of anecdotal, you 

know, stories related to Section 106. The intent of Section 106 is 

certainly not to prevent progress such as that. It works to seek solutions, and it’s with collaborative public input and with stakeholders. 

So, to me, it’s important to get such information very early on 

in the process, have better information available early in the process, provide, perhaps it could be a training issue too, with regional 

staff, agencies or local staff of agencies, to better make efficient 

this process. 

If a project is proposed, Section 106 cannot stop it. You know, we 

need to look through the lens of that this project is going to go forward. What we need to do is address the issues at hand, see what 

we can do about them and work for the sake of the American public on making sure these deliverables are reachable. 

The CHAIRMAN. I think the concern is you state that Section 106 

can’t be used to say go or no go on a project, but the practical reality on the ground is that if a project is delayed unreasonably, all 

that does is add to the cost. And so the decision is made, not coming from the Advisory Council to stop it, but the decision is made, 

look, this is just more trouble than it is worth and ultimately you 

miss out on, again, the opportunity to provide what would be those 

operational efficiencies. 

This is something that I know you are aware of, but I do think 

that when we look to the importance and the value of the Council 

and what your role will be, it is to look very directly at these to 

see how the process can be made more efficient, more streamlined 

and really more workable. 

Let me ask you one more question and this ties into issues of national security. The current Chairman of the Advisory Council has 

been a supporter of listing the Trestles surf break in San Diego 

County. Opponents of listing that surf break on the National Register of Historic Places are concerned that it could interfere with 

the marine training camp there at Camp Pendleton. In your view, 

does the National Historic Preservation Act sufficiently address national security concerns? Does the law offer adequate protection in 

this area? How do we balance this out, in your view? You want to 

preserve something, but you have a security aspect to it that needs 

to be considered as well. 

Ms. JORJANI. It certainly is. 

I certainly look forward to working with DoD on this issue. It appears that the National Defense reauthorization process annually 
16 

does touch on certain issues related to national security and listings on the National Register. 

I plan as full-time Chair to actively monitor that and work with 

the stakeholders involved as well as the Federal Preservation Officer at the Department of Defense. It’s not something I have been 

working on, of course, so if confirmed, I certainly look forward to 

looking into this further. 

The CHAIRMAN. Well, I think this may be one of those areas, 

again, where we have not had anybody in this position full-time. 

We haven’t really infused the Advisory Council in a way that allows for more of the ability to really weigh in and provide that level 

of guidance. 

My hope is that now that this position has been elevated, you are 

in a full-time role, that whether it is with the NEPA review or 

whether it is the national security initiatives, the expectation is 

you will provide for that level of review where appropriate and 

really have a voice. 

I have no further questions, so I will turn to Senator Hirono and 

then we will wrap up the hearing here. 

Senator HIRONO. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. 

I ask this question of all nominees who come before any of my 

committees, so I will ask this of you. 

Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted 

requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature? 

Ms. JORJANI. No. 

Senator HIRONO. Have you faced discipline or entered into a settlement related to this kind of conduct? 

Ms. JORJANI. No. 

Senator HIRONO. Thank you. 

In the mid–1990s work was done to strengthen the National Historic Preservation Act in its implementing regulations to ensure 

that rights of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians are explicitly addressed in the decision-making process and 

ACHP was vital to helping develop meaningful consultation protocols for tribes and native organizations. 

What are your perspectives on ACHP’s consultation process with 

these indigenous communities and how do you continue to build 

upon that work to ensure equitable participation to, well, by Native 

peoples? 

Ms. JORJANI. Thank you for that question. 

I know the Advisory Council has produced a wide range of consultation documents for quite some time. They’ve had a few Native 

American Advisory groups over the years. There’s now a sitting 

tribal member on the board membership. 

If confirmed, I look forward to pouring through all those guidance documents and working with our tribal member on the board 

and learning more about this as we work government-to-government with tribes. 

Senator HIRONO. I think you are well aware that the history and 

culture in Hawaii is very different from that in Oklahoma or Florida or Maine or any of the indigenous peoples’ culture. 

As Chair, will you commit to prioritizing and working closely 

with states to take their unique situations into consideration be-
17 

cause often the perspectives of these groups are not necessarily 

taken into consideration nor are their voices heard. So I would 

want to make sure that you—— 

Ms. JORJANI. Certainly, yes. 

I look forward to working with the Alaska Native Corporations 

and Native Hawaiian organizations. 

Senator HIRONO. When—okay, hold on. 

So you may know that Hawaii recently experienced a severe flood 

event on the North Shore of Kauai. In fact, there was more rainfall 

in a 24-hour period on Kauai than in the entire history of our country. They got almost 50 inches of rain in that timeframe. It prompted a Presidential disaster declaration. 

Among the damage was the destruction of three historic bridges. 

It is my understanding the replacement of these bridges will be implemented within 30 days of the Presidential declaration and, per 

the Section 106 consultation process, once our stakeholders in Hawaii are notified, they will have seven days to provide comment. I 

have heard from people in the state that they are very concerned 

about the seven-day review window and will require consultation 

assistance. 

Does the ACHP generally grant requests for extensions? And as 

potential Chair of ACHP, do you believe it is important to provide 

this kind of flexibility and assistance to communities cleaning up 

from natural disasters? 

Ms. JORJANI. I know that the agencies usually or typically set 

these type of timeframes. So as full-time chair being based here on 

a day-to-day basis, if issues like that arise and if it impedes on the 

ability to, you know, for full stakeholder participation, I hope it 

would come to my attention. 

Senator HIRONO. I think it is really important for you to be, for 

your organization to be, in very close contact with the affected parties in a state in these kinds of exigent circumstances. So I want 

to make sure that that commitment is there. 

Ms. JORJANI. Yes. 

Senator HIRONO. When a federal agency fails to consider a full 

range of alternatives to minimize harm to historic properties, the 

ACHP is responsible for investigating complaints from the public 

and then advising the agency to take corrective action ahead of potential citizen lawsuits. 

Are you prepared to confront the Department of the Interior and 

their agencies when they fail to do their job regarding historic preservation? 

Ms. JORJANI. I will certainly work with the Department of the 

Interior. 

Senator HIRONO. Well, they may have a different perspective. My 

question is whether you will be willing to hold your ground based 

on what your responsibilities are? 

Ms. JORJANI. With our responsibilities as an advisory role, I certainly look forward to advising. 

Senator HIRONO. Can you give me, very briefly, examples in your 

professional life when you have stood up to pressure to do something that would have been against the public interest in your 

judgment? 
18 

Ms. JORJANI. I typically like to collaborate with stakeholders to 

ensure that it is within the public interest. I don’t see any—— 

Senator HIRONO. So you have never had a situation in your professional life where something was not in the public interest in 

your professional assessment where you said you are just not going 

to go along with it? 

Ms. JORJANI. I cannot think of an instance offhand, no. 

Senator HIRONO. If you were confronted with such a circumstance with this Administration, would you stand your ground? 

Ms. JORJANI. I would, yes. 

Senator HIRONO. Thank you, Madam Chair. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Senator Hirono. 

We will allow other members to submit their questions for the 

record. 

Several were not able to join us here this morning, so I hope that 

you would attempt to respond to those as quickly and as promptly 

as possible so that we can proceed forward with this. 

Again, I thank you for your willingness to serve. I thank you for 

coming before the Committee. I thank those who are standing behind you to allow you this opportunity in public service, and we appreciate your work here this morning. 

Thank you so much. 

The Committee is adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 10:50 a.m. the hearing was adjourned.] 
(19) 

APPENDIX MATERIAL SUBMITTED 
20 

U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 

May 15,2018 Hearing 

Nomination of Aimee Kathryn Jorjani to be Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

Questions for the Record Submitted to Ms. Aimee Kathryn Jorjani 

Questions from Senator Ron Wyden 

Question 1: During the hearing, several of my colleagues emphasized the importance of the Advisory 

Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) tribal consultation process. You testified that you had not 

personally worked on tribal consultation before, but that you would review existing guidance 

documents and work with the board of historic preservation experts and members of the tribes. 

I would like more details. What specific steps will you take, if confirmed, to increase your personal 

awareness of the tribal consultation process and ensure that the ACHP works effectively with tribes 

given the unique relationship, as sovereign nations, with the federal govemment? 

Response: Senator Wyden. I understand and fully support tribal sovereignty, government-togovernment consultation, and thefederal government trust responsibility to Indian tribes. That 

government-to-government relationship needs to be nurtured and respected. I am committed to 

continuing and building upon the ACHP 's record in being a leader within the Executive Branch in 

advancing timely and effective consultation with Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and 

Native Alaskans. If confirmed, I am eager to: 

(!) Meet soon with the four tribal members on the Council- Leonard Forsman (ACHP Vice 

Chair), Dorothy Lippert (Expert Member), and Reno Franklin (Tribal/NHO Member) and 

Shasta Gaughen (Chair of the National Conference of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers)-

to gain their perspectives and organize strafet.'Y. 

(2} Attend the 20I8 National Tribal Preservation Conference (if confirmed by September 2018) 

arranged by the National Conference of Tribal Historic Preservation ()fficers (NATHPO) and 

hosted by the Suquamish Tribe. 

(3) I will seek a working relationship with the current-nominee for the Assistant Secretary for 

Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior. 

(4) Meet, possibly through a Chairman's working group, with the major intertribal organizations, 

such as the National Congress of American Indians, Alaska Federation ofNatives, Navajo 

Nation, United South & Eastern Tribes. 

(5} Meet regular(y andfrequently with ACHP's Office of Native American Affairs staff to review 

the statuses of current and on-the-horizon I 06 cases known or thought to involve tribal issues. 

(6) Personally monitor high-profile Section I 06 cases that involve issues of consultation with 

Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and Alaskan Natives (ex: BLM oil and gas 

leasing near Chaco Culture National Historic Park). 

Question 2: The ACHP, as an independent federal agency that promotes the preservation, 

enhancement, and productive use of our nation's historic resources, plays an important role in historic 

preservation policy. 

Will you commit to protecting ACHP processes and recommendations trom political interference? 

Response: Yes, and with respect to the advisory nature of the ACHP. 
21 

U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 

May 15, 2018 Hearing 

Nomination of Aimee Kathryn Jorjani to be Chair of the Advismy Council on Historic Preservation 

Questions for the Record Submitted to Ms. Aimee Kathryn Jorjani 

Will you advocate to the President and OMB for the resources necessary for the ACHP to fulfill its 

mission? 

Response: If confirmed. I look forward to utilizing my advismy role to advocate for the resources 

necessary for the ACHP. 

Furthermore, I am a strong advocate for the Historic Preservation Fund, as administered by the 

National Park Service. I come into this knowing how important those dollars are. Adequatefunding 

for state and tribal historic preservation programs is essential for their continued health to serve the 

public, especially as it relates to an efficient Sectionl06 review process. I look forward to advising 

senior policy officials at the Department of the Interior and OMB in regard to the HPF. 

Questions from Senator Joe Manchin Ill 

Question 1: Last April, a dozen federal agencies signed a memorandum of understanding meant to 

promote interagency collaboration on permitting of major infrastructure projects. The Advisory 

Council on Historic Preservation was one of the signatories. I was pleased to see this Memorandum of 

Understanding because I believe the permitting process can and should be done more cost effectively 

and efficiently. The MOU will eliminate duplication efforts, and streamline and improve the process. 

Furthermore, President Trump, in his Executive Order 13807, set a goal of two years to complete 

environmental reviews and authorize decisions starting from the time of publication of a Notice of 

Intent to prepare an EIS. 

What are your ideas to improve the timeliness of the permitting process while better conserving 

cultural resources and promoting the mission of the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation? 

Response: The ACHP has been very active in promoting "fficiencies in federal approval of 

infrastructure projects, using tools that exist in 106 regulations. Significant achievements have 

occurred in wireless and broadband deployment, public land.~ management, and highway maintenance 

and construction, working with federal agencies and preservation stakeholders to strike balance 

between infrastructure needs and preservation values. The ACHP is an active member of Federal 

Permitting Improvement Steering Council and is a unique voice for preservation. I would continue the 

working groups formed by the ACHP that include representativesfi·om the energy transmission 

industry, SHPOs/THPOs .. cultural resource consultants, andfederal agencies to identify opportunities 

to streamline permitting process for pipelines and electric transmission lines. I would expand that to 

work with your office and others interested within the Legislative branch. 

The key feature of this is engaging all stakeholders tofind solutions that improve efficiency with due 

consideration of historic preservation goals. If confirmed, I would continue these efforts and seek new 

2 
22 

U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 

May 15, 2018 Hearing 

Nomination o_f Aimee Kath1yn Jm:jani to be Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

Questions for the Record Submitted to Ms. Aimee Kathryn Jorjani 

opportunities to find collaborative solutions by using the position offi.lil-time chairman to engage 

leadership offederal agencies that approve orfund infi·astructure projects. I am eager to restart 

network of Senior Policy Officials (policy-level officials with responsibility for historic preservation 

within federal agencies) that was created by E.G. 13287 titled "Preserve America" to better promote 

interagency coordination on preservation issues. I would use the position offull-time chair to promote 

federal agency commitments to training field personnel that deal with Section 106 reviews of 

infrastructure projects. I would advise within the Administration and Congress for the creation and 

support ofaccessible nationwide. GIS-based database o_f historic property iryformation to aid agencies 

and applicants. I would work with agencies, applicants, and preservation stakeholders to encourage 

early, informed and eff'ective consultation to expedite permitting processes. And. I would reach out, 

possibly through a working group, to indus!ly, agencies, and the preservation community to identifY 

opportunities to improve Section I 06 review process >vithin existing statutory and regulatory 

Famework to find practical solutions that have widespread support. 

Question 2: Tn your opinion, when is the best time to engage public input and involve State Historic 

Preservation Offices and other interested parties during the permitting process? 

Response: Ear~y, through .frequent and regular contact with State and Tribal Historic Preservation 

Offices. 

Question from Senator Steve Daines 

Question: I first want to congratulate you on your historic appointment. As you may know, Montana 

is home to an abundance of natural resources. In order to get those resources to market and to 

rctinerics and power plants around the nation and the world we require extensive infrastructure. 

Extensive permitting and litigation can cause long delays and even kill important infrastructure that 

provides much-needed jobs in Montana. We are also home to twelve federally recognized Indian tribes 

who are integral to our state's culture and history. It is important that we balance concerns and have 

early government-to-govemment consultation with tribes in order to address issues early and 

thoroughly. 

How can we streamline the permitting process while maintaining appropriate Section 6 consultation, in 

order to expeditiously approve infrastructure projects? 

Response: Thank you, Senator Daines. 

Early engagement of Indian tribes in the planning process is key to identifY concerns and establish 

effective communication. The Section I 06 process has specific timeframesfor stakeholders, including 

Indian tribes, to respond to agency findings and determinations. One problem may lie in that the 

timeFame is not always understood. Ultimatelv. Section I 06 can not stop a project. 

3 
23 

U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 

May 15,2018 Hearing 

Nomination t<f Aimee Kathrrn Jorjani to be Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

Questions for the Record Submitted to Ms. Aimee Kathryn Jorjani 

Another problem is the lack of understanding by federal agency personnel qf what they must do, who 

they need to talk to. and where historic properties important to Indian tribes are located and how they 

are affected. I would encourage greater training of agency personnel in tribal consultation and tribal 

relations. I am told that a good example of an innovative technique is HUD 's Tribal Direct01y 

Assessment Tool to assist agencies in identijj•ing and contacting Indian tribes ear~v in the planning 

process. IfcoJ?firmed, I look forward to examining that toolfitrther. 

I would continue the working groups jiJrmed by the ACHP that include representatives from the energy 

transmission industry, SHPOs/THPOs. cultural resource consultants, andfederal agencies to identify 

opportunities to streamline permitting process .for pipelines and electric transmission lines. I would 

expand that to work with your office and others interested within the Legislative branch. 

Finally, I also !ookjorward to utilizing the ACHP 's seat on the Federal Permitting Improvement 

Steering Council to seek efficiencies and would continue ACHP's efforts to provide guidance on tribal 

consultation to make roles. responsibilities, and timeframes understood by all participants in the 

Section 106 process. 

4 
24 

May 6, 2018 

Chairman Lisa Murkowski 

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 

U.S. Senate 

Washington, D.C. 20510-6150 

RE: Aimee Jorjani, Nominated Chairman, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

Dear Senator Murkowski: 

I bring to your attention the nomination of Aimee Jorjani for the Chairman of the Advisory Council on 

Historic Preservation, the ACHP. The ACHP, a small agency that many overlook, promotes the 

preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of our nation's diverse historic resources, and advises 

the President and the Congress on national historic preservation policy. 

The ACHP is important to those of us who work in Historic Preservation for several reasons. Its role to 

advise Congress, and the President, on historic preservation matters provides a voice second to that of 

the National Park Service. The ACHP provides accountability and oversight for the environmental review 

required by Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act. The agency has had other initiatives in recent 

years that have had afforded many benefits for many Preserve America communities. 

I have known Aimee Jorjani as she studied at the Goucher College Masters of Historic Preservation 

program and as an employee of the Department of Interior during the Bush Administration, as well as 

during the last nine years. Ms. Jorjani's master's degree is in the field that she is now charged with 

overseeing. She is an energetic, engaging woman who builds consensus rather than creating dissent as 

she leads effectively. I have asked her to advise me as I lead the graduate program and she has turned 

to me to learn of my experiences with the ACHP during my career. She is a valued colleague. 

For most of us, historic preservation is of benefit to the American people and a non-partisan program. 

Yes, there are practical politics in the field, but for practitioners in the field, having one of our own as 

the leader of the ACHP is most important. 

I encourage you to support Aimee Jorjani and recommend her to fellow legislators as she is considered 

for this post during May and June of 2018. 

Sincerely, 

Betsy H. Bradley 

417 W 20'h Ave, Spokane, WA 99203 
25 

Opening Statement 

Senator Cory Gardner 

May 15,2018 

Madam Chairman, members of the committee, it is my honor this 

morning to introduce you to Aimee Jorjani, the President's nominee to Chair 

the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. I have known the nominee for 

over 15 years, and I know that she will bring the same drive, passion for 

preservation, and joy for life that she has brought to everything else she has 

done. 

Aimee Jorjani graduated from Northern Michigan University, majoring in 

Political Science, and like many of us, came to Washington, DC. She worked 

her way up from her starting position as a Staff Assistant to Legislative 

Correspondent and then Legislative Assistant to Congressman Paul Ryan. In 

2002, she started the first of several positions at the Interior Department, 

beginning as a Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Policy, 

Management and Budget. She also worked as a Special Assistant to the 

Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service and later as a principal to the Deputy 

Secretary. Simultaneously, between 2003-2009, Mrs. Jorjani managed all of 

Deputy Secretary Lynn Scarlett's responsibilities as Co-Chair of the White 

House Interagency Preserve America initiative. By 2006, her Preserve America 

role had evolved into a full-time position as the Deputy Secretary's Special 

Assistant for Historic Preservation, she helped manage a national Preserve 

America summit, and she was designated the Department's first Historic 

Preservation Officer. 

Since leaving government service (the first time), Aimee earned a Masters 

degree in Historic Preservation from Goucher College, while bringing three 

wonderful children into the world, and consulting in a variety of roles. She has 

been a member of the Federal Historic Preservation Program Task Force, on the 

boards of Preservation Action and the National Preservation Institute, and 

worked to help with reauthorization efforts for the Historic Preservation Fund, 

in addition to other preservation-related outreach efforts. 

Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, it is my pleasure to introduce 

my friend, Aimee Jorjani. 
26 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TR!6AL HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICERS 

P.O. Box 19189 • D.C. 20036-9189 • 628-2241 • 

June 20, 2018 

Chair lisa Murkowski 

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 

U.S. Senate 

Washington, DC 20510 

Dear Senator Murkowski: 

It is with pleasure that I support the nomination of Ms. Aimee Jorjani to be the Chair of the Advisory 

Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). I have known Ms. Jorjani for close to 15 years and first met her 

when she worked in the U.S. Department of the Interior and was responsible for protecting, 

maintaining, and preserving America's cultural and historic resources as the department's Federal 

Preservation Officer. In that role she was responsible for a variety of cultural resource projects and 

issues and we worked together to ensure that American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian 

cultural and historic resources were included as part of our nation's heritage. 

In my 19-year role as the president of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers 

(NATHPO) I have worked with a variety of people in the state, federal, and tribal communities. Ms. 

Jorjani has stood out as one of the most dedicated and compassionate individuals in this field. She has 

the knowledge, skills, and ability to work with the wide spectrum of individuals and organizations that 

the ACHP Chair will need to engage for a successful tenure. 

In the particular area of tribal historic preservation, Ms. Jorjani has devoted her time to learning more 

about the unique status of American Indians in the United States and tribal-specific issues. Since leaving 

the Interior Department, we have worked together on state and tribal issues and her knowledge of the 

issues, the legislative process, federal laws and regulations, and working knowledge of the ACHP make 

her an excellent candidate. 

Again, I support Ms. Jorjani's interest in being the first full time Chair of the ACHP and welcome the 

opportunity to work with her. Thank you for considering her nomination. 

Sincerely yours, 

D. Bambi Kraus 

President 

### 

NA THPO is a not-for-protit membership association of tribal governments that are committed to preserving, 

rejuvenating, and improving the status of tribal cultures and cultural practices by supporting Native languages, arts, 

dances, music, oral traditions, cultural properties, tribal museums, tribal cultural centers, and tribal libraries. 
27 

April 21, 2018 

Chairman Lisa Murkowski 

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 

U.S. Senate 

Washington, D.C. 20510 

Dear Senator Murkowski: 

It is with great pleasure that I offer my strong support for the nomination of Ms. Aimee Jorjani for the 

role of Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. I have known Aimee for 17 years and 

worked with her daily during my nearly eight years at the Department of the Interior during the 

Administration of George W. Bush during which I served first as an Assistant Secretary and then as 

Deputy Secretary. Aimee reported directly to me during that time to support the Department's 

responsibilities to protect, maintain, and preserve cultural and historic resources, ultimately becoming 

the first department-wide Historic Preservation Officer. 

While I served at the Department of the Interior, I also became the co-chair of First Lady Laura Bush's 

Preserve America initiative that focused on advancing and supporting cultural and historic resources in 

communities across the nation. Aimee worked directly with me to support my co-chair role, requiring 

that she collaborate closely with the First Lady's office, the historic preservation officers of Interior 

agencies, and the Preserve America lead participants from all the other federal agencies. That role 

required acquiring extensive knowledge of relevant laws and enhancing partnership opportunities for 

historic preservation with states, local communities, and the private sector. 

In these roles, Aimee demonstrated a spectrum of qualities that would make her an outstanding Chair of 

the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, as follows: 

• Passion for cultural and historic preservation: at the outset, in working with me, Aimee 

demonstrated a deep interest in and support for historic and cultural preservation. She truly 

loved this work, a passion that translated into her pursuit of an advanced degree (Masters in 

Historic Preservation) from Goucher College. I served as a guide and mentor for her as she 

pursued that degree and was delighted when her master thesis on historic preservation grant 

programs received the McCullough Award for Best Historic Preservation Masters Thesis. 

• Relevant knowledge: through her experiences at the Interior Department, her graduate 

education, and her subsequent professional consulting work, Aimee has built extensive 

knowledge of historic and cultural resources, the opportunities and challenges of sustaining 

these resources, the relevant laws and decision processes, including, for example, the National 

Historic Landmark designation process, grant programs, and state roles and laws. 

• Collaborative skills: Cultural and historic resource management and preservation fundamentally 

involve building partnerships at the federal, state, Tribal, and local levels, including with Native 

Alaskans. Aimee demonstrated an ability to work with all partners, in a very bipartisan way, and 

with immense grace, respect, and a spirit of public service. She is well respected by these 
28 

different communities, as reflected in the award she achieved for Federal Preservation 

Achievement by a former chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Drawing 

upon her collaborative skills, she was also very effective in working with the Congress to 

respond to information requests and support relevant legislation, including the Preserve 

America and Save America's Treasures Act. 

• Management: While I co-chaired First Lady Laura Bush's Preserve America initiative, Aimee 

served as overall project manager, requiring that she work with the Budget Office and other 

Interior offices on budgeting, development of program performance measures and a monitoring 

system, and coordination with a large set of other offices and divisions to align and enhance 

their delivery of historic preservation responsibilities. 

• Communications: In addition to preparing numerous communications materials associated with 

the Preserve America initiative, I would like to highlight that Aimee is extremely gracious, 

respectful of others, a good listener, and someone who searches for common ground and 

solutions in the work she undertakes. 

I cannot think of a better candidate for the role of Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. 

She is passionate, knowledgeable, civic-minded, tremendously hard-working and dedicated to the 

mission of the Advisory Council 

Thank you for considering her nomination. 

Sincerely, 

Lynn Scarlett 

(former Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior) 

Cc: 

Brian Hughes@energy.senate.gov 

Patrick McCormick@energy.senate.gov 
29 

President Donald J. Tmmp 

The White House 

Aimee understlmds ll!e federal goverm:nenlt yet 

outside of Wasliiugtou. Midwc!lltem roots 

in public servioe. 
30 

Caroline E. Bock 

0