In the Ohio River Valley, the Petrochemical Boom Is on Hold Reid FrazierDecember 31, 2020 Has the pandemic and other economic woes made the plastics boom a bust? Some in the community are hopeful it will still come to the region. CoronavirusEconomyThe Coming Chemical Boom
Proposed Ohio Cracker Secures Ethane from Range Resources Julie GrantSeptember 24, 2020 Range would only supply a fifth of what the plant would need. An industry analyst says the region would need to produce more ethane to support a second cracker. EnergyThe Coming Chemical Boom
Trump’s Energy Secretary Questions Mainstream Science on Human Impacts of Climate Change Reid FrazierSeptember 22, 2020 "What is the exact impact that we’re having? That has not been resolved." Scientists say that doesn't have a "scientific leg to stand on." Climate ChangeThe Coming Chemical Boom
Enviro Groups Challenge EPA’s New Air Rule for Ethane Crackers Julie GrantSeptember 18, 2020 Groups say the new rules don't protect the public from harmful emissions from these plants and allow too many loopholes for industry. EnergyHealthPollution
Is It Safe to Bring Your Reusable Bags Back to the Grocery Store? Julie GrantAugust 28, 2020 When the coronavirus pandemic hit, many grocery stores banned reusable bags. Now, with more known, reusables are making a comeback. CoronavirusHealth
Wolf, Legislature Draw Closer to More Natural Gas Tax Breaks Rachel McDevittJuly 15, 2020 Lawmakers say Wolf has agreed to a compromise measure to incentivize the use of natural gas in fertilizer and petrochemical manufacturing. EnergyPolitics
Investor Pulls Out of Proposed Ohio Cracker Plant Brittany PattersonJuly 14, 2020 Still, PTTGC America says building the cracker plant - 65 miles southwest of Pittsburgh - remains a top priority. EconomyEnergyThe Coming Chemical Boom
U.S. Department of Energy Touts Petrochemicals, Puts Money into Coal ‘Innovation’ Grants Reid FrazierJuly 2, 2020 DOE says Appalachia's future for coal and petrochemicals is rosy and is investing in research to find new uses for coal. EconomyEnergyThe Coming Chemical Boom
How the Coronavirus Is Impacting 4 Environmental Issues Kara HolsoppleMay 22, 2020 From less traffic to more plastic, how the coronavirus shut-down has impacted Pittsburgh. Climate ChangeCoronavirusEnergyYour Environment Update
Ever Hear of a Nurdle? This New Form of Pollution Could be Coming to the Ohio River Julie GrantMay 1, 2020 Plastic pellets can escape petrochemical plants like the one Shell is building in Beaver County, Pa. Is the Ohio Valley ready? Good RiverPollutionWater