Reports
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.
Poor Economics for Virgin Plastics: Petrochemicals Will Not Provide Sustainable Business Opportunities in Appalachia
A convergence of market forces cast a dark shadow over the financial outlook of petrochemical development in Appalachia.
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.
Carbon Capture, Use, and Sequestration Would Decarbonize the Electric System…in the Worst Possible Way
With a price tag of $100 billion/year, widespread adoption of CCUS in our electric system would spark outrage if its cost showed up in our monthly bills or federal taxes.
A Stronger Appalachian Regional Commission Vital to Economic Progress
A funding boost could enable the Appalachian Regional Commission to improve regional infrastructure and generate real, lasting prosperity.
A Big Civilian Climate Corps is Vital for Economy and Appalachia
A revamped Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) could reduce carbon emissions, grow jobs, and restore our natural resources and environment in the Ohio River Valley and beyond.
Pennsylvania Voters Support a Serious Crackdown on Fracking Operations
Across demographics, Pennsylvania voters are deeply concerned about the health and environmental impacts of fracking and skeptical of its benefits.
The Centralia Model for Economic Transition in Distressed Communities
Centralia, Washington, a former coal town with a now-booming economy, could provide a model for clean energy and economic transition in distressed communities in Appalachia and beyond.
Destined to Fail: Why the Appalachian Natural Gas Boom Failed to Deliver Jobs & Prosperity and What It Teaches Us
An assessment of the systemic causes behind the natural gas industry’s failure to deliver economic prosperity to the 22 largest fracking counties across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Options and Opportunities for Coal Plant Communities: Pennsylvania and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
Revenue from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) could aid coal communities facing plant closures and energy market changes. ORVI Research Fellow Joseph Cullen outlines a path forward.