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.
First Tranche of Federal Orphan Well Funds Out the Door
In late August, the US Department of Interior (DOI) announced it awarded 24 states $560 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to plug...
ORVI at the Clean Energy Ministerial
Who We Are The Ohio River Valley Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research center advancing a path toward shared prosperity, clean energy,...
Race to the Bottom: Carbon Injection Wells & Hydrogen Development in the Ohio River Valley and the Gulf Coast
West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are independently racing to secure federal funding for a blue hydrogen and carbon capture hub, an...
Coal Plant Community Playbook
In June 2021, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) released a comprehensive Report on Coal-Fired Power Plant Retirements in the United...
Chart Book: Tracking Recovery from the Kentucky Flood of 2022
In late July 2022, severe storms dumped extreme precipitation across southeast Kentucky. With so much rain bearing down over such a short period,...
Appalachia is Fueling a Global Petrochemical Buildout
Key Takeaways Appalachian ethane is already fueling a petrochemical buildout in the Gulf Coast and around the world. The region’s production of...
“Absurd, You Say?”
The recently signed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers coal and gas-fired power plants as well as factories and other carbon-emitting facilities a...
Here’s How Appalachian States Can Create “Good-Paying, Union Jobs” Cleaning Up Mines.
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Here’s How Appalachian States Can Create “Good-Paying, Union Jobs” Cleaning Up Mines.
In March, Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) hosted the Secretaries of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy on a tour of West...
Can the Infrastructure Law Create “Good-Paying, Union Jobs” Cleaning Up Coal Mines? Not Without Policy Action.
“After decades of delay and decline, America’s workers stand ready to rebuild our country.” That’s what AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said about the...
Building on What We Have
This is the first blog in a series of local economic development initiatives strengthening local economies and anchoring investment in Appalachian...
Misplaced Faith: How Policymakers’ Belief in Natural Gas is Driving Rural Pennsylvania Into an Economic Dead End
Policymakers’ pursuit of natural gas development is failing rural Pennsylvania, economic data show.
Policymakers’ Pursuit of Natural Gas is Failing Rural Pennsylvania. Investments in Quality of Life May Be More Effective.
Pennsylvania policymakers of both parties are driving efforts to expand the state’s natural gas economy despite mounting evidence that...
Breaking Down West Virginia v. EPA
The Ohio River Valley Institute hosts a panel of legal experts for a discussion of the recent Supreme Court decision on West Virginia v. EPA....
Pennsylvanians Strongly Support a Crackdown on Fracking. Will Allegheny County Deliver?
Update: In a resounding victory for Pennsylvanians and a vindication of public will, Allegheny County Council voted 12-3 to override County...