releases: https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-keep-green-bank-observatory-open
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-keep-green-bank-observatory-open | REP. JENKINS: KEEP GREEN BANK OBSERVATORY OPEN | 2016-11-10 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | WV | Evan Jenkins | J000297 | evanjenkins.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) spoke at Wednesday’s public scoping hearing at the Green Bank Observatory, strongly encouraging continued investment in this vital scientific and community resource. “Our state is hurting right now. We are hurting, and Green Bank is the shining beacon for our future and for hope for that future. …The impacts for science, for education and for the community is why there is such an outpouring as shown here today for this facility,” he said. In addition to highlighting the nearly $30 million a year that Green Bank contributes to the economy, he also said Green Bank exposes our students to science education and exploration they would never have otherwise. “These educational programs are giving West Virginia students the opportunity to have hands-on experience in science and research fields. For many students, especially underprivileged and female, they need these opportunities and these are opportunities that they can’t get or have copied simply in the classroom or at home. The Green Bank Observatory is giving a chance to students that will truly change their lives,” Rep. Jenkins said. The National Science Foundation is conducting an environmental impact statement for the Green Bank Observatory, and the public scoping hearing is the first step in this process. The NSF will be considering five possible actions: Continued NSF investment for science-focused operations. Collaboration with interested parties for science- and education-focused operations with reduced NSF-funded scope. Collaboration with interested parties for operation as a technology and education park. Mothballing of facilities (suspension of operations in a manner such that operations could resume efficiently at some future date). Deconstruction and site restoration. The full transcript is below. For a copy of the audio file of the congressman’s remarks, please email Rebecca Neal at rebecca.neal@mail.house.gov. “I’m Evan Jenkins, I’m the congressman from the Third Congressional District that goes from Mason and Cabell County over on the west all the way right here to Pocahontas County. “To all of the Pocahontas County residents to the employees of Green Bank to those who have traveled from out of state to come here to have your voice heard, thank you. This was important for me as well to come over to make sure that I join your voices to make sure that this critically important asset is preserved. “I appreciate the Green Bank Observatory for hosting this event and the wonderful accommodations, and I appreciate again all that you do. “I want to thank the National Science Foundation for their work and for their engagement in this facility. I welcome you to this wonderful state of West Virginia. This is a very special place. “Green Bank Observatory is the reason that the United States is a global leader in radio astronomy. The Green Bank Telescope is leading the way in tracking pulsars, investigating star formation, exploring our galaxy, and even looking for alien life. I understand this is about an environmental impact statement, this is about impact. Without this critical asset, the United States would lose its footing in radio astronomy, a position that could take decades to reclaim. “Scientists from all over the world use the Green Bank for cutting-edge research. Many of these scientists at one time or another find themselves in this beautiful mountainous area of Pocahontas County. “This bridge has been of key importance for the students from our state and many others. “Every year Green Bank brings in 3,000 to 5,000 students and teachers to participate in educational programs. Students are given the opportunity to use the equipment and look for astronomical bodies, including discovering pulsars. “These educational programs are giving West Virginia students the opportunity to have hands-on experience in science and research fields. For many students, especially underprivileged and female, they need these opportunities and these are opportunities that they can’t get or have copied simply in the classroom or at home. The Green Bank Observatory is giving a chance to students that will truly change their lives. “Green Bank provides even more to the community than creating the next generation of scientists. The facility provides an irreplaceable economic boost to Pocahontas County and West Virginia. Green Bank as we know employs over 100 people year round, and during the busy season, about 40 additional seasonal jobs. During this time, Green Bank is the largest private employer in this county. “The Green Bank Observatory’s employees contribute an all-important $17.1 million to the local economy. And when included with the economic impact from tourism, the Green Bank Observatory adds nearly $30 million to the West Virginia economy. “Our state is hurting right now. We are hurting, and Green Bank is the shining beacon for our future and for hope for that future. There is a continued need for Green Bank and it could not be more apparent than the recent efforts being undertaken by the Breakthrough Listen project. Green Bank is a key part of investigating the skies for intelligent life. “The impacts for science, for education and for the community is why there is such an outpouring as shown here today for this facility. I want to make it perfectly clear, I think options four and five on the chart are simply unacceptable. I fully support the Green Bank Observatory and know that it can be a critical asset for science and West Virginia for decades to come. Thank you.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |