A Deep Dive into Clean-Seas: Rough Waters for Belle Plastics Pyrolysis Facility
Challenging finances & operational delays have hounded Clean-Seas West Virginia as the DEP weighs permitting for its plastics pyrolysis plant in Belle.
The Methanol Industry at a Crossroads
Global market volatility and underdeveloped supply chains could complicate the methanol industry’s massive North American buildout plans.
Beaver County Data Analysis: 2026 Update
More than three years since Shell’s launch, Beaver County continues to trail neighboring counties, Pennsylvania, and the nation in key measures of economic wellbeing.
West Virginia and the Base Load Model of Grid Management Versus the Flexible Grid
[button link=”https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.naughty-cat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/West-Virginia-and-the-Base-Load-Model-of-Grid-Management-Versus-the-Flexible-Grid-FORMAT.pdf” type=”big” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Download report[/button] [button link=”https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.naughty-cat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Base-Load-v3-4-pager-FORMAT.pdf” type=”big” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Download four-page summary[/button] [button link=”https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.naughty-cat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Base-Load-v3-One-Pager-FORMAT.pdf” type=”big” color=”red” newwindow=”yes”] Download one-page summary[/button] As West Virginia and other states grapple with data center-driven electricity demand growth and rate hikes, transitioning to a “flexible grid” model could lower rates, boost reliability, and slash carbon emissions. West […]
Repairing the Damage in Kentucky
Kentucky’s coal mine reclamation market has grown 360% since the BIL, but the need for greater union density & more market competition remains.
West Virginia’s Abandoned Well Problems
Weak enforcement has allowed West Virginia’s abandoned oil and gas well problem to spiral. Fixing it could support thousands of jobs.
Desperately Seeking an Exit
Market headwinds are intensifying. Even after selling off millions in PA tax credits, Shell is unlikely to recoup its $14B petrochemical investment.
Falling Further Behind
The lagging US steel industry risks falling further behind—absent large-scale investment in low- or zero-emissions “green” steelmaking.
What’s happening with MERP in Ohio River Valley states?
The Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) is facing serious setbacks. Here’s how states are implementing the MERP funding they’ve received so far.
An Economic Impact Analysis of a Planned Plastics Pyrolysis Facility in Follansbee, West Virginia
A pyrolysis project in Follansbee, WV is unlikely to create many jobs or generate much tax revenue for local and state budgets, modeling suggests.