The Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) is facing serious setbacks. Here’s how states are implementing the MERP funding they’ve received so far.
What’s happening with MERP in Ohio River Valley states?
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Ted Boettner
Ted focuses on pathways that bring sustainable economic development and shared prosperity to the region through research and analysis and has over 15 years of public policy experience. Prior to joining ORVI, Ted was the founding executive director of the WV Center on Budget and Policy.
All research:
Potential Impact of Federal Workforce Layoffs on Ohio River Valley States
Earlier this month, the US Supreme Court gave the Trump administration the green light to continue with mass layoffs of federal workers. This decision came on the heels of multiple executive actions that have already led to mass firings within many federal government...
Damage Control: Federal Funding to Plug Orphaned Wells—And Create Good-Paying Jobs—Is In Jeopardy
Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have been awarded a total of $290.3 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up orphaned oil & gas well sites.
Abandoned Wells Could Wreak Havoc for Carbon Storage in West Virginia
Tens of thousands of abandoned wells overlay West Virginia’s prospective carbon storage reservoirs, risking leakage.
Filling the Hole: A Federal Solution to Cleaning Up America’s Orphaned and Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells
On October 23, 2024, Senior Researcher Ted Boettner presented at the 2nd Annual Orphan & Idle Wells Texas Conference on the need for a federal solution to clean up America’s orphaned and abandoned wells. His presentation is summarized below. An upcoming report...
IRA Clean Energy Credits with Labor Standards Can Boost Union Jobs and Economy in Appalachia
Achieving “high-road” labor standards could double tax benefits for IRA-funded clean energy projects, boost wages, and spur local economic growth.
Addressing Pennsylvania’s Orphaned Well Crisis
Pennsylvania, like several other oil and gas producing states, has a broken system when it comes to preventing orphaned and abandoned wells. Its inadequate bonding and regulatory systems incentivize the indefinite delay of plugging responsibilities and the orphaning...
Getting Unions Connected to Orphaned Well Clean Up: A Second Bite at the Apple
Last month, the Department of Interior (DOI) released its application guidance for Phase 1 state formula grants for orphaned well clean up under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The formula grants are one of three grant programs included in the...
The Unemployment Gap in Appalachia
In late July, we co-released a report that proposed a targeted subsidized employment program aimed at finding jobs for those disconnected from the workforce in Appalachia. Specifically, the report explored the large number of prime-age workers – those between...