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:
Pennsylvania Senate Hydrogen Hub Testimony Illuminates Cost, Viability Concerns; Risk of Wasted Taxpayer Dollars
Financial and regulatory support for the gas-based ARCH2 Appalachian Hydrogen Hub risks reduced economic growth, fewer jobs, and higher utility bills, taxes, and prices for Pennsylvanians, according to testimony delivered today at the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee’s hearing on hydrogen infrastructure by Ohio River Valley Institute Senior Researcher Sean O’Leary.
Statement on Federal Funding for the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub
The Ohio River Valley Institute published the following statement in response to the Department of Energy's announcement of up to $925 million in federal funding for the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2). ARCH2 Blue Hydrogen Hub Threatens Higher...
A Bigger Bang Approach to Economic Development
Ohio State University analysis shows that investments in high-multiplier industries can help create jobs and boost incomes in struggling communities.
Frackalachia Update: Peak Natural Gas and the Economic Implications for Appalachia
Appalachia’s largest gas-producing counties have continued their economic spiral, data show, as regional gas output begins to plateau.
The Unemployment Gap in Appalachia
In late July, we co-released a report that proposed a targeted subsidized employment program aimed at finding jobs for those disconnected from the workforce in Appalachia. Specifically, the report explored the large number of prime-age workers – those between...
Targeted Employment: Reconnecting Appalachia’s Disconnected Workforce
Appalachian coal country has a critical need for more employment. A national subsidized employment program could help reconnect prime-age workers to the workforce.
True Transition
RGGI proceeds could kickstart job growth in Pennsylvania’s fossil fuel communities.
Measuring the ‘Cost’ of a Disaster
A lot has happened since ORVI originally published our post on the disastrous toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Cleanup efforts are still underway by the railroad operator, Norfolk Southern, but they have raised new questions about the safe transport of...
Green Steel in the Ohio River Valley: The Timing is Right for the Rebirth of a Clean, Green Steel Industry
A transition to fossil fuel-free “green” steelmaking could grow steel-related jobs and slash carbon emissions.