Skip to main content

Striving to Inspire Actionable Steps for Sustainable Development

July 31, 2023
By Nicole Marchese

Summary

  • Appalachia has a unique set of assets that can be harnessed for sustainable development. These assets can be used to create a more sustainable future for Appalachia, one that is based on clean energy, green jobs, and equitable growth.
  • The Appalachian Sustainable Potential Map (ASPM) is a comprehensive, visual resource that showcases Appalachia's potential for sustainable development. The map provides a wealth of information about the region's assets, including manufacturing and business assets, workforce, damaged lands, and funding opportunities. This information can be used by businesses, organizations, and policymakers to make informed decisions about sustainable development in Appalachia.
  • The ASPM is a work in progress, and the CSB is seeking feedback from the public. Your input will help to shape the map and ensure that it is a valuable resource for sustainable development in Appalachia.

Introduction 

Appalachia stands today as a region known for its abundant natural resources, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. As we strive to combat climate change, our vision for Appalachia encompasses a future where these defining characteristics are harnessed to drive sustainable and equitable growth for generations to come. We are envisioning this future at the CSB, starting with Cara Steinberg's visual baselining, the Appalachian Sustainable Potential Map (ASPM). This map is a comprehensive, visual narrative for an industrial transition in the four states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky.  

Mission & Goals  

The mission of the ASPM is to showcase Appalachia’s competitive edge and opportunities for sustainable development through a comprehensive, visual narrative of Appalachian counties’ defining and valuable characteristics. Through this digital resource and the intertwined narrative, the CSB aims to use this project to redefine the region by showcasing its outstanding assets and areas for opportunity within every county. 

The narrative explores four critical aspects of Appalachia: Manufacturing/Business Assets, Workforce, Damaged Lands, and Funding Opportunities. We hope to reveal the untapped potential existing in the four states, while the map will provide a visual and interactive source for Appalachia's attributes:

  1. Manufacturing/Business Assets
  • Transportation (Railroads & accidents, airports)
  • Power plants by primary source
  • Wind turbines
  • Carbon sequestration areas
  • RNG development
  • Natural gas pipelines
  • Solar potential
  • Waterways
  1. Workforce
  • Urban/rural areas
  • Population sizes
  • Racial demographics
  • Gender demographics
  • Average income
  • Apprenticeship training centers
  1. Damaged Lands
  • Contaminated sites (superfund sites)
  • Coal plants & mines
  • Farmer & current steel facilities
  • Landfills
  • Fracking
  • Brownfields
  • Oil wells
  • CO2 Emissions from large facilities
  1. Funding
  • Energy communities
  • Recompete Eligibility via Mapping Tool (REMT)
  • Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Fund Allocations (EECBG)
  • Justice 40 Communities (J40)

By pairing the map with narrative pieces, the ASPM paints a holistic picture of Appalachia's potential, striving to inspire actionable steps for sustainable development in the region.  

Timeline 

A Learn, Design, Build, Share model is being implemented to guide the timeline of the ASPM.  

A timeline for the rollout of the ASPM over the next year

Over the next two months, Cara and the Decarbonize Middle America team will be working to finalize this resource but not without periodic feedback from our key value holders. On August 1st 12:00 PM Eastern, Cara will be discussing ASPM's progress and requesting feedback on her initial presentation of the project. This will be held during ReImagine Appalachia's Bi-Weekly Update Call, where all are welcome to join to hear more details about our work. A survey will be distributed after the call so everyone listening can provide their input and ideas to help shape this resource, ensuring the ASPM will be a catalyst for significant equitable growth in Appalachia's future.  

Participation and Collaboration 

Moving forward your engagement and collaboration is crucial to ASPM's success. There will be several opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute their ideas, feedback, and expertise, along with the August 1st ReImagine Appalachia Bi-Weekly Update call (held every other week at noon eastern). Sign up for ReImagine Appalachia’s newsletter and for our newsletter, so you can stay connected and updated on opportunities to be part of Appalachia's sustainable journey.

Post-Date