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.

Year in Review
The Ohio River Valley Institute (ORVI) launched one year ago, in August 2020, as an independent, nonprofit think tank designed to equip the region’s...

ORVI Insider #22: Our First Year in Review
ORVI Insider: Our First Year in Review The Ohio River Valley Institute (ORVI) launched one year ago, in August 2020, as an...

PTTGCA’s “indefinite delay” reminds Ohio Valley leaders of the need for a viable economic development strategy
According to a recent report from S&P Global/Platts, “PTTGC America's final investment decision on a new petrochemical complex in southeast Ohio...

Community groups urge U.S. Department of Energy to halt gas, ethane development
More than one hundred environmental and community advocates described the devastating threats to public health and safety posed by petrochemical...

How the Department of Energy Can Help Mitigate Economic and Environmental Damage from Petrochemical Development and Fracking
Senior Researcher Sean O’Leary explained the damaging effects of shale gas activity and prospective petrochemical development on the environment,...

Finding Opportunity in the Ohio Valley
Last week, Senior Researcher Sean O’Leary and I traveled across the Ohio Valley to discuss Ohio River Valley Institute research with county...

Hydrogen 101
In the last few months, hydrogen has garnered serious hype across the Ohio Valley as the zero-emissions fuel of the future. But should proponents’...

Hydrogen 101

Fewer Jobs, Higher Electric Bills if WVPSC Mitchell Ruling Prevails
The West Virginia Public Service Commission's ruling on the case regarding the Mitchell power plant will, if it is implemented, result in fewer jobs...

ORVI Insider #21: New Poll Shows PA Voters Want a Crackdown on Fracking
The latest news, research, and analysis from the Ohio River Valley Institute. July 29, 2021 ...

New Poll Shows PA Voters Want a Crackdown on Fracking
Pennsylvania has officially soured on fracking. A groundbreaking new opinion poll released today by the Ohio River Valley Institute shows that, by...

Pennsylvania Voters Support a Serious Crackdown on Fracking Operations
Across demographics, Pennsylvania voters are deeply concerned about the health and environmental impacts of fracking and skeptical of its benefits.

Appalachia Poised to Be Part of Shift to Clean Energy
For over 150 years, the Appalachian region has provided the cheap energy that has powered the nation to become an industrial giant and build a middle class. At the same time, the enormous wealth pulled from the hills of Appalachia largely enriched other parts of the country while leaving environmental degradation and persistent poverty in its wake. As federal policymakers design policies to transition and invest in a clean energy economy, it is imperative that Appalachia can rebuild and grow a 21st Century sustainable economy that builds shared prosperity.

New Reports Sketch a Blueprint for Job Growth and Economic Development in Distressed Appalachian Communities
There are many parallels between economically struggling communities in Appalachia and Centralia, Washington, a chronically depressed coal town that...
ORVI Insider #20: A Model for Economic Development in Appalachia
The latest news, research, and analysis from the Ohio River Valley Institute. July 20, 2021 ...