Should NASA move to Ohio? Members of Congress pitch new location for headquarters
- Ohio lawmakers are proposing that NASA move its headquarters to the state when its current lease expires in 2028.
- They argue that Glenn Research Center in Cleveland would be a cost-effective choice, citing the state's aerospace history.
- The proposal comes amid federal efforts to cut spending and potentially relocate agencies away from Washington, D.C.
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Buckeye State's congressional delegation has a pitch for NASA: Move your headquarters to Ohio.
NASA may relocate from Washington, D.C., when the facility's lease expires in 2028, according to a letter from Republican Sens. Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno, Rep. Max Miller, and other members of Congress from Ohio. The letter argued that Glenn Research Center in Cleveland would be a cost-effective alternative if the agency chooses to move.
Ohio offers a "rich aerospace heritage, lower operational costs and central role in the nation's technology and defense sectors," officials wrote.
"Ohio is the birthplace of aviation, the heart of America's aerospace industry, and a critical hub for advanced technology, research and manufacturing," the letter stated. "Placing NASA HQ in the ' Heart of It All' would reinforce our national leadership in space exploration and aeronautics innovation."
The letter came as Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency looks for ways to slash government spending. Federal officials have also debated whether to decentralize operations in Washington and move key agencies to other parts of the country.
NASA announced this week that it will eliminate its chief scientist position and shutter a policy office.
Ohio isn't the only one eyeing NASA headquarters. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged NASA to consider the Kennedy Space Center, Florida Today reported. Ohio officials acknowledged they could also have competition from Texas and Alabama, where other space centers are located.
The delegation previously called for the Department of Defense to base Space Force testing operations in Sandusky.
Haley BeMiller covers state government and politics for the Paste BN Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.