What is the primary objective of the National Historic Preservation Act?

The primary objective of the National Historic Preservation Act is to establish a national policy of historic preservation. Enacted in 1966, this legislation aims to safeguard the cultural heritage and historical resources of the United States by encouraging the preservation of historic sites, buildings, and districts. The act helps to promote a formal framework for local, state, and federal agencies to recognize the importance of these resources and work towards preserving them for future generations. It emphasizes the stewardship of historical properties, ensuring that they are maintained, protected, and publicly accessible.

The other options do not align with the central aim of the act. While urban development, environmental regulation, and tax incentives for developers may intersect with preservation efforts, they are not the act's primary focus. Urban development often prioritizes modernization over preservation, whereas environmental statutes address ecological concerns rather than historical significance. Similarly, while the act may lead to some tax incentives as a beneficial side effect for those engaging in preservation, that is not its main purpose. The emphasis is clearly on creating a national policy that underscores the necessity of preserving the country’s historical and cultural legacy.