#KeepGreenBankFullyFunded
What can I do?
Share your voice and story with Congress!
Call and/or email Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice and Representatives Carol Miller and Riley Moore and tell them to please reject the 2026 NSF budget proposal and to support full NSF funding and continued operation of the Green Bank Observatory !
You can also call members of the Senate and House Appropriations and Science subcommittees as they are the people who will most likely affect the budget decisions for the GBO and the NSF. Learn more about who to call by visiting our Congressional Contact Info page.
Our strongest tool is your voice. The Green Bank Observatory is not just a scientific landmark – it’s a working symbol of West Virginia’s contributions to global discovery and innovation and a leader in inspiring STEM Education and Outreach. We’re asking the public to contact state and federal legislators with personal stories, heartfelt emails, meaningful reflections, and/or your research and feedback on why Green Bank matters.
Why Personal Stories Matter
• Congress members are more likely to respond when they hear from real constituents
• Personal connections to Green Bank – whether through education, tourism, science research, or heritage – can move policy
• Your story can help preserve funding and stop decommissioning efforts!
How do I reach key legislators?
Visit our Congressional Contact Info page for Congress members’ contact information including phone numbers and emails. Please note that if you do not live in the state of a Congress person you want to call – you may not be able to email them directly, but you can call and ask their staff for a way to fax a comment or email them separately. It is best to call, email, and/or fax them as mailed letters can take up to 4 weeks to get to them due to security screenings.
What should I say?
State that you are calling to urge the Congress person to support full funding for the Green Bank Observatory and oppose decommissioning. Share why you feel the GBO is so important. Your story matters!
What to Include in a Letter or Message
• How the Green Bank Observatory impacted you or your family
• Why it’s important to preserve scientific research and education in WV
• A request for legislators to oppose a cut to the GBO’s annual budget and decommissioning of the Observatory
If you would like some help with what to say, please visit our Sample Language for Calls and/or Emails page.
Also, if you’d like some facts to share in addition to your own story, please visit our Facts Sheet page for quick and more detailed information about the GBO>