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.
Clean Power Digest: Pennsylvania’s Bad Bet on Fuel Sources
Pennsylvania’s Bad Bet on Fuel Sources Pennsylvania’s higher electricity rates are driven by a complex mix of energy generation, transmission &...
The Big Bust: 2026 Data Show Petrochemicals Have Been a Bad Deal for Beaver County
Beaver County, Pennsylvania is a real-time case study in the local economic impacts of petrochemical development.
Gridlocked
A West Virginia utility’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) demonstrates the need for a more flexible electric grid.
Beaver County Data Analysis: 2026 Update
More than three years since Shell’s launch, Beaver County continues to trail neighboring counties, Pennsylvania, and the nation in key measures of economic wellbeing.
West Virginia and the Base Load Model of Grid Management Versus the Flexible Grid
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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....
Appalachianization Update: How The Data Center Boom is Making America’s Economy Look Like Appalachia’s
Last December, I wrote a blog post titled, “The Appalachianization of America’s Economy”, in which I observed that the AI and data center boom,...
The PSC Must Do What’s Right for West Virginia
Do you know the old advice to investors - “Buy low and sell high”? Well, building a new gas-fired power plant right now is doing exactly the...
Feds announce $679 million in coal cleanup grants despite recent Congressional cuts to the program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Eric Dixon [email protected], (865) 202-8688 Feds announce $679 million in coal cleanup grants...
Breaking down how much Congress cut AML funds by state
In January Congress passed a “minibus” bill that raided $500 million in previously appropriated coal mine cleanup funds to pay for other federal...
Clean Power Digest: Cheap, clean energy is “no longer inconvenient”
Clean Energy: No Longer Inconvenient – It’s Cheaper Twenty Years After His Film, Al Gore Tweaks the Climate Script - by Chico Harlan – New York...
Statement on ACT NOW Clean Tech Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2026 Statement on ACT NOW Clean Tech Initiative ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — On June 4, Allegheny County Executive Sara...
Appalachian Gas: Near-Term and Long-Term Trends
Analysts expect natural gas production in Appalachia to grow in the coming decades, but the immediate outlook is a murkier prospect.
Clean Power Digest: Coal Plant Orders
Coal Plant Orders Cost Consumers Millions & Drive Utility Bills Higher Each time a coal plant is ordered to stay open – utility bill rates...
Clean Power Digest: Green Bank Litigation Updates
Green Bank Litigation Update There has been a recent uptick of activity in Green Bank litigation in the federal district courts and the U.S....