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.
The Ammonia Industry Expansion Begins To Falter
Less than three months after its July passage, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is already reducing the planned expansion of ammonia and hydrogen...
Beaver County’s Economy Flounders while Neighboring Counties Prosper
Beaver County, home to Shell’s $14B plastics plant, lags behind neighboring counties in job and business growth.
Green Banks, Solar Policy, Federal Energy Tax Credits, and More — BIL/IRA Implementation Digest
Green Banks - Clean Communities Investment Accelerator & National Clean Investment Fund Updates Appeals court says EPA can recover ‘green bank’...
With Starfire Set to Break Ground on Landmark Kentucky Solar Project, Local Hiring Should Be a Priority
A landmark three-county solar array is coming to Southeast Kentucky’s coalfields, promising to be one of the nation’s largest renewables projects...
Celebrating 5 years of ORVI
A Big Beautiful Blow to the Ammonia Industry
Tucked deep in the mammoth One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) that President Trump signed into law on July 4th is a provision that threatens the planned...
As Ford Touts EV “Breakthrough” Announcement at Unionized Plant in Kentucky, Workers at Its Nearby Joint Venture Battery Plant Prepare for Contested Union Election
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —— Ford, the nation’s largest employer of UAW autoworkers, will reveal plans to design and build a new electric vehicle and EV...
Frackalachia Update 2025
New gas development for data centers and LNG is “destined to disappoint” as Appalachia’s fracking counties continue their economic spiral.
Report: New Gas Development for LNG, Data Centers “Destined to Disappoint”
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. —— The race to expand Appalachian natural gas production in anticipation of new power demand for AI data centers and increased export...
Potential Impact of Federal Workforce Layoffs on Ohio River Valley States
Earlier this month, the US Supreme Court gave the Trump administration the green light to continue with mass layoffs of federal workers. This...
Achieving Significant Local Hire at the Starfire Solar Project
On June 18, Senior Researcher Eric Dixon appeared before the Siting Board of the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) to advocate the condition...
Tracking the Impacts of HR 1 BIL/IRA Implementation Digest
Big Picture/Overview Summaries A List of Nearly Everything in the G.O.P. Bill, and How Much It Would Cost or Save — By Alicia Parlapiano, Margot...
New Policy Would Ensure Industry Pays For Well Decommissioning, Not Taxpayers
What is there to be done about the “culture of non-compliance” that has resulted in a potentially $100 billion bill to clean up as many as 1 million...
Statement on H.R.1’s Hydrogen Tax Credit Provision
Earlier today, Congress finalized a budget that includes a provision restricting access to the 45V hydrogen production tax credit solely to...
Tracking U.S. Senate Vote on HR 1 — BIL/IRA Implementation Digest
Tracking U.S. Senate vote on HR 1 Despite last-minute changes, US Senate bill deals big blow to renewable energy — By Valerie Volcovici - July 1,...