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We study opportunities to create shared prosperity across the Ohio River Valley. From building safe, lasting, family-sustaining jobs to responsible public investment, our work helps distinguish between economic development projects that benefit communities and those that further entrench the problems facing our region.

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Community

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Jun 25, 2026

The Warren-Moreno proposal prevents Social Security cuts that could cost elderly Appalachians over $4,000 per year.

Alarm bells are ringing in Washington, D.C., with the Trump Administration warning that Social Security is projected to become insolvent in 2032. This would trigger an automatic 22% cut to benefits for over 70 million elderly or disabled Americans who rely, at least in part, on the program. Debate is swirling this week, as two […]

Written by 

Nick Messenger, Ph.D.

Community

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Apr 29, 2026

Data Centers 101

Written by

Zane Gustafson

Community

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Aug 29, 2020

Pennsylvania’s Fight Over Election Drop Boxes

Written by

Hayat Norimine

Community

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Jul 21, 2020

Background brief: A letter to the governors

Written by

Sean O’Leary

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Oct 5, 2026

Caught in the Doldrums: A Clean-Seas Update

Clean-Seas West Virginia now has an air quality permit in hand. But does this mean that the facility will soon begin operations?

Written by

Tom Torres

Community

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Sep 9, 2026

Ohio Power Siting Board Denies Company Request to Block Expert Testimony Describing Potential Impacts of 800MW Gas Plant

Written by

Ben Hunkler

Community

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Sep 4, 2026

Most Pennsylvanians Want Data Center Development Paused, Strongly Regulated, or Discouraged Altogether

Most Pennsylvanians believe data center development would raise energy costs and harm the environment, though some anticipate job growth.

Written by

Virginia Alvino Young

Community

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Aug 27, 2026

Public opposition to data centers is surging. Where do decision-makers stand?

The number of data center projects proposed in Ohio River Valley states is growing quickly. But opposition appears to be growing even faster.

Written by

Ben Hunkler

Community

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Aug 13, 2026

Statement on Air Permit Approval for Clean-Seas Plastics Pyrolysis Plant

Written by

Tom Torres

Community

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Aug 12, 2026

Despite billions in planned spending, no major investments announced at Clairton coke operations one year after explosion

A year since the deadly Clairton Coke Works explosion, Nippon has announced no major upgrades—nor investments in clean steelmaking in Pennsylvania.

Written by

Justine Hackimer

Community

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Jul 28, 2026

How Allegheny County’s paid parental leave policy could kickstart economic growth

Allegheny County’s paid parental leave proposal could grow jobs & wages, curb population loss, support small businesses, and ease labor shortages in critical sectors.

Written by

Kristina Marusic

Community

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Jul 27, 2026

A Deep Dive into Clean-Seas: Rough Waters for Belle Plastics Pyrolysis Facility

Challenging finances & operational delays have hounded Clean-Seas as the DEP weighs permitting for its plastics pyrolysis plant in Belle.

Written by

Tom Torres

Community

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Jun 25, 2026

The Warren-Moreno proposal prevents Social Security cuts that could cost elderly Appalachians over $4,000 per year.

Written by

Nick Messenger, Ph.D.

Community

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Apr 29, 2026

Data Centers 101

The race towards data centers is already reshaping energy systems, land use, and local economies across Appalachia.

Written by

Zane Gustafson
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Energy

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Jul 22, 2026

Investing in Pennsylvania’s Future: RISE PA’s Awards Could Support More Than 1,700 Job-Years for Workers

Pennsylvania’s RISE PA decarbonization program is proving that cutting carbon emissions can spur economic growth.

Written by

Multiple Experts

Energy

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Jul 16, 2026

Gridlocked

A West Virginia utility’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) demonstrates the need for a more flexible electric grid.

Written by

Sean O’Leary