Building Shared Prosperity & Clean Energy

Generations of fossil fuel development have hollowed out the Ohio River Valley economy, hemorrhaging jobs and accelerating population decline. Investing in the region’s energy transition is an opportunity to spur job growth and shared prosperity across the region.
Clean energy generation, energy efficiency retrofits, quality-of-life focused development, and large-scale initiatives to repair the damage from the oil and gas industry could create tens of thousands of jobs and revitalize long-struggling communities. Here’s how.
“A clean energy pathway for Western Pennsylvania is less costly, creates more jobs, and more effectively reduces climate-warming emissions relative to a pathway centered around natural gas and carbon capture.”
Reports:
All research on Shared Prosperity & Clean Energy:
Why Trying to Save Coal Is Costing Us More Than We Think
Let’s talk about coal. Yes—coal, the black rock that powered much of America’s past. Lately, some leaders have been trying to bring it back in a big way. But here’s the truth: no matter what policies are put in place, the coal industry is on its way out—and trying to...
Tariffs and Appalachia
New tariffs on Mexico, China, and Canada stand to cut jobs, raise consumer prices, and shrink GDP in the short term in manufacturing- and energy-dependent Appalachia.
Uncertainty Remains for Essential Programs After Gov. Shapiro’s Lawsuit Unfreezes Federal Funds for PA
Last week, I joined a group of Pennsylvania advocates and policy experts for a press event on the critical situation facing businesses, community service organizations, and municipalities across the Commonwealth, one that demands our immediate attention and continued...
The Uncertain Ammonia Industry, Present & Future
Layers of uncertainty around new ammonia markets and the ability of new projects to scale...
EV Charging Station Funding Freeze Forfeits More Than $400 Million and Over 3,500 Ohio River Valley Job Opportunities
On February 6, 2025, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released a memo suspending the ability of states and tribes to spend previously approved grants for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Regional media has speculated that the suspension is part...
Load Growth Fever, LNG, and the Risk of Higher Electric Rates
Meeting load growth forecasts with new natural gas generation could cause double-digit hikes in the price of electricity.
Advancing Green Steel in the Mon Valley
As heavy industry moves toward decarbonization, Allegheny County, PA has a unique opportunity to lead the transition to green steelmaking.
IRA Clean Energy Credits with Labor Standards Can Boost Union Jobs and Economy in Appalachia
Achieving “high-road” labor standards could double tax benefits for IRA-funded clean energy projects, boost wages, and spur local economic growth.
RISE PA to Slash Pennsylvania’s Industrial Emissions with $396M in EPA Funding
On behalf of the Clean Power PA Coalition, a group of more than 40 clean energy, conservation, and community organizations committed to protecting Pennsylvania's environment and powering its economy through clean energy, we're thrilled—but not surprised—that the EPA...