Research
The Ohio River Valley Institute examines some of the region’s most pressing challenges. We provide policy analysis and practical tools for building a stronger Appalachia. All of our research is available for you to cite, use, and share, per our free use policy.
Regardless of What They Say, Green Hydrogen Will Be Cleaner, Cheaper, and It’s Around The Corner
“The worry is that, along the way, we are going to waste huge amounts of money on the wrong use cases for hydrogen and the wrong infrastructure in...
Measuring the ‘Cost’ of a Disaster
A lot has happened since ORVI originally published our post on the disastrous toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Cleanup efforts are...
Green Steel in the Ohio River Valley: The Timing is Right for the Rebirth of a Clean, Green Steel Industry
A transition to fossil fuel-free “green” steelmaking could grow steel-related jobs and slash carbon emissions.
ORVI in Southeastern Louisiana to Learn about a True Transition for Oil & Gas Workers
During the third week in March, I had the opportunity to travel to southeastern Louisiana to take part in several events sponsored by True...
An Overview of the Norfolk Southern Train Derailment and Hazardous Chemical Spill in East Palestine, Ohio
Information contained within this post is current as of its publication on February 23, 2023. Due to the fluid nature of the situation...
Housing Damage from the 2022 Kentucky Flood
Two approaches to rebuilding the approximately 9,000 homes damaged by the 2022 Kentucky flood.
The Road to Flood Disaster Recovery: Resources for Housing and Outstanding Need
In a new report from the Ohio River Valley Institute and Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, we estimate it will cost $450 to 950 million to...
The East Palestine train derailment is petrochemical harm at its worst. For the industry, it’s a cost of doing business.
On Friday, February 3, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous petrochemicals derailed near East Palestine, Ohio, sparking what may be...
Black workers helped build Appalachia’s economy. Today, they’re still shortchanged.
Here’s a name you don’t often read in Appalachian history books: Bill Worthington. Bill was a Black coal miner from Harlan County, Kentucky,...
2022 in Review
The close of 2022 marks the second year of the Ohio River Valley Institute’s research on clean energy, shared prosperity, and equitable civic...
First Tranche of Federal Orphan Well Funds Out the Door
In August of 2022, the US Department of Interior (DOI) announced it awarded 24 states $560 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law...
Diversified Energy’s Questionable Financial Practices Continue in 2022
Despite Diversified Energy’s questionable business model, the company’s total liabilities have exceeded its assets.
Updated Economics for Virgin Plastics
The global petrochemical industry is facing a severe “cycle low,” raising doubts about the viability of new development and the profitability of Shell’s new Pennsylvania ethane cracker.
A Clean Energy Pathway for Southwestern Pennsylvania
Our blueprint for clean energy transition, the region’s first, would create jobs and curb emissions more effectively than natural gas- and carbon capture-powered pathways.
Fact-checking Pennsylvania Politicians’ Blue Hydrogen Hype in the Wake of House Bill 1059
Last week, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed into law House Bill 1059, an amendment to the state’s Tax Reform Code that, among other...