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.
ORVI Insider #28: Large-scale Development by Shell Hasn’t Spurred Economic Growth in Beaver County
A new research brief finds that Beaver County has fallen behind the state and the nation in nearly every measure of economic activity since the announcement of the Shell ethane cracker in 2012.
A Cautionary Tale of Petrochemicals from Pennsylvania
Beaver County, Pennsylvania has fallen behind the state and the nation in nearly every measure of economic activity since the Shell petrochemicals complex was announced in 2012, data show.
Bitcoin Mining Breathes Life into Zombie Coal Plants
Bitcoin is on the verge of going mainstream, with some companies -- and even countries -- recognizing the cryptocurrency as legal tender. The market...
From Fracked Gas to Plastics: A Diagram of the Appalachian Ethylene Supply Chain
Why the Fracked Gas to Plastics Pipeline Has No Future in the Ohio River Valley
Four years ago, petrochemical industry boosters predicted a new wave of industry would roll across the natural gas-producing region of Appalachia,...
Another round of Appalachian coal plant retirements may be imminent
January 25, 2022 may become the day the music died for a number of the remaining Appalachian coal-fired power plants. That’s when PJM, the regional...
ORVI Insider #27: The End of Appalachian Petrochemical Development?
The latest news, research, and analysis from the Ohio River Valley Institute. November 16, 2021 The Appalachian petrochemical buildout is on...
Sloganeering politicians and CEO’s and the myth of energy independence
Politicians and CEOs, Republicans and Democrats, need to stop invoking “energy independence” because they don’t really mean it . . . that is, unless they truly believe in transition to clean, renewable resources.
Poor Economics for Virgin Plastics
Poor Economics for Virgin Plastics: Petrochemicals Will Not Provide Sustainable Business Opportunities in Appalachia
A convergence of market forces casts a dark shadow over the financial outlook of petrochemical development in Appalachia.
ORVI Insider #26: ‘Your County Is Getting a Bad Deal, and You Can Do Better’
The latest news, research, and analysis from the Ohio River Valley Institute. November 2, 2021 "Your county is getting a bad deal,...
Pennsylvania AG Josh Shapiro Charges Mariner East Pipeline Developer with Environmental Crimes, Reflecting Widespread Support for a Crackdown on Fracking
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro charged Mariner East 2 Pipeline owner Energy Transfer with a total of 48 counts of environmental crimes...
Repairing the Damage: Cleaning Up Hazardous Coal Ash Can Create Jobs and Improve the Environment
Cleaning up hazardous coal ash sites in the Ohio Valley can alleviate environmental and public health threats and create jobs.
ORVI Insider #25: CCUS Is the Worst Possible Way To Decarbonize the Electric System
The latest news, research, and analysis from the Ohio River Valley Institute. October 19, 2021 With tensions mounting over looming federal...
