The U.S. Air Force on Wednesday released its draft Environmental Impact Study regarding the branch’s decision to relocate U.S. Space Command to Redstone Arsenal.
According to the study’s findings, Huntsville serving as home to the combatant command would have “no significant impacts on the human or natural environment.”
In accordance with federal law, the draft now becomes subject to a 30-day public comment period. Upon completion of the open comment process, the Air Force will make a final determination for Space Command’s new headquarters.
Environmental assessment as follows:
In reaction to the branch’s findings, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, asserted that the results were “welcomed” and advised that he would continue his advocacy of Huntsville becoming home to Space Command.
“This is a welcomed result, but it’s not surprising,” noted Tuberville in a release. “Redstone Arsenal’s existing federal footprint and Huntsville’s robust defense industry make this area the ideal home for Space Command. I look forward to the conclusion of the comment period and doing what I can to support Space Command as it makes Huntsville its new home.”
Celebrating the assessment, Madison County Commission chairman and fifth congressional district Republican nominee Dale Strong proclaimed that the Rocket City was prepared to meet the needs of Space Command operations.
“This report confirms that Redstone Arsenal is primed and ready for growth,” said Strong in a statement to Yellowhammer News. “Now it’s time to end the reviews and focus on building a new Headquarters for Space Command in Alabama. We are ready to support their mission to protect our nation and our warfighters.”
Since the announcement to relocate Space Command was made in 2020, the decision has been subjected to an extensive review process stemming from members of Colorado’s congressional delegation scrutinizing the move.
However, each official evaluation of the decision has determined that the selection of Huntsville as the combatant command’s preferred location was based on sound judgment.
The most recent report, which was released last month by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), documented that no issues existed in the Air Force’s decision to relocate Space Command from Colorado to the Yellowhammer State.
UPDATE 2:03 p.m.:
In a statement provided to Yellowhammer News, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle indicated that each review into the Air Force’s decision had concluded that Alabama’s largest city was the appropriate selection to hold Space Command’s headquarters.
“The due diligence in the Space Command selection process confirms Redstone Arsenal as the right choice,” declared Battle. “We look forward to collaborating with our national space partners to keep our country safe.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
