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.
Biden’s Plan for American Leadership in Clean Manufacturing Must Prevent Hydrogen, Carbon Capture Misuse
Today the Biden administration released a “Fact Sheet” announcing upcoming efforts to advance a cleaner industrial sector, reduce emissions, and reinvigorate…
Hydrogen, Carbon Capture Hub is a Risky Gamble for the Ohio River Valley
The newly announced initiative to develop a carbon capture and hydrogen hub in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia is a gamble in the guise of opportunity.
How to Clean Up the Most Damage with New Federal Investments in Abandoned Mines
Congress made an historic investment in coal abandoned mine land (AML) cleanup with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). In the...
Coal Mine Cleanup in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Explained
In November 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which made historic investments in the reclamation of...
Appalachian States Should Proceed with Caution on CCUS, Hydrogen Hub Initiative
A new initiative to develop a carbon capture and hydrogen hub in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia is unlikely to create many permanent jobs, boost…
Should DOE’s Vision of an Ohio Valley CO2 Hub be DOA?
The recent movie, “Don’t Look Up”, parodies our response to the climate crisis and, in particular, political leaders whose attitude seems to be,...
Black Storytelling and Policymaking in Appalachia
Black storytelling is a necessary precondition for sound, equitable policymaking in Appalachia.
Despite “Winning” GDP Gains, Ohio’s Fracking Counties Lost Big in 2020
A recent story in the Columbus Dispatch reported that “two small eastern Ohio counties in the heart of Ohio's natural gas country posted the biggest...
ORVI Insider #30: The Rise of ‘Frackaging’
Natural gas production in Appalachia and beyond has fueled an excess of plastic packaging.
The Growth of Frackaging
Plans for Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Development in Appalachia
When President Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure bill into law, he authorized billions of dollars in new federal spending to support the...
2021 in Review
As 2021 draws to a close, the Ohio River Valley Institute is looking back with gratitude and excitement on our first full year of operation. We’ve...
ORVI Insider #29: Looking Back on 2021
As 2021 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on a year of progress.
Stayin’ Alive: The Last Days of Stripper Wells in the Ohio River Valley
Low-producing oil and gas wells could soon become costly public liabilities.
