54 U.S.C. § 302501

(1) Designation.—

The term “designation” means the identification and registration of property for protection that meets criteria established by a State or locality for significant historic property within the jurisdiction of a local government.

(2) Protection.—

The term “protection” means protection by means of a local review process under State or local law for proposed demolition of, changes to, or other action that may affect historic property designated pursuant to this chapter.