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.
Misdirection: How we’re misled about the natural gas boom’s economic impacts
The Ohio River Valley Institute’s recent report on the nearly complete failure of the Appalachian natural gas boom to deliver on promises of jobs...
Risks for New Natural Gas Development in Appalachia
Higher prices are needed to save Appalachian natural gas, but the industry faces pressure from decarbonization and uncertain petrochemical markets.
Critical Condition: “The Shale Crescent” and the Dream of an Appalachian Petrochemical Boom
On February 3rd, 2021, the Ohio River Valley Institute convened a forum of experts from finance, policymaking, and the petrochemical industry to...
ORVI Insider #12: Fossil Fuel Subsidies, LNG Trains, and a Window into the West Virginia Legislature
ORVI Insider March 2, 2021 A Message from Our Executive Director Many of us are...
The Failure of Fossil Fuel Subsidies in Pennsylvania
$3.8 billion is enough money to run the entire economy of a small country. But it’s just barely enough to cover the cost of Pennsylvania’s annual...
West Virginia Legislative Session Starts Shrouded in Secrecy & Bad Ideas
The West Virginia Legislature got underway on Wednesday, February 10th, and so far the legislative session has been marked by a lack of...
Proposed Belmont County, OH ethane cracker project postponed . . . again
The Ohio River Valley Institute issued the following press release earlier today. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Newest delay for Belmont County cracker...
ORVI REPORT – Appalachia’s Natural Gas Counties: How dreams of jobs and prosperity turned into almost nothing
NEW REPORT: NATURAL GAS COUNTIES' ECONOMIES SUFFERED AS PRODUCTION BOOMED Since the start of the fracking boom, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West...
ORVI Insider #11: Energy Experts Say “There Is No Business Case” for Appalachian Fracking
ORVI Insider February 9, 2021 A Message from Our Executive Director Last week, we...
Railroaded By the Gas Industry
Before you get behind the wheel of a car, you’re required to have auto insurance. It costs a few bucks, especially for bad drivers, but everyone...
Fracking Counties Economic Impact Report
Since the start of the fracking boom, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia’s biggest gas-producing counties have seen declines in their share of jobs, income, and population.
Living with Natural Gas Pipelines
More than 2 million miles of natural gas pipelines run throughout the United States. In Appalachia, they spread like spaghetti across the region.
ORVI Insider #10: “The Shale Crescent” and the Dream of an Appalachian Petrochemical Boom
ORVI Insider January 26, 2021 In this edition of our newsletter, we are excited to announce the Ohio River...
Biden’s First Fracking Test: LNG Trains
Biden’s first fracking test. That’s what the Wall Street Journal editorial board calls the incoming administration’s decision about a port project...
Critical Condition: ‘The Shale Crescent’ and the Dream of an Appalachian Petrochemical Boom
Join us for an expert panel discussion on the projected future of the promised Appalachian petrochemical buildout.