{
    "title": "A Social Contract with the Pittsburgh Region: Appalachia First 2.0",
    "modified_at": "2025-09-25 13:00:36",
    "published_at": "2025-09-25 12:59:00",
    "url": "https://positive-energy-hub.prezly.com/a-social-contract-with-the-pittsburgh-region-appalachia-first-20",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/YZud",
    "culture": "en",
    "language": "EN",
    "subtitle": "Catalyzing and sustaining new pathways for the region\u2019s energy, environmental, and socio-economic future.",
    "slug": "a-social-contract-with-the-pittsburgh-region-appalachia-first-20",
    "body": "\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 100%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638/-/resize/1200x/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"\"\n                id=\"image-bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638\"\n                data-id=\"bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638/-/inline/no/tempImageWueJz1.heic\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638/-/resize/1200x/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Story image\"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\"></figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<p><em>By </em><a href=\"https://x.com/NickDeIuliis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Nick Deiuliis</em></a><em>, Chief Executive Officer</em></p><h4 id=\"the-backstory\" >The Backstory</h4><p>This great region&rsquo;s Labor leaders are homegrown and passionate about their stewardship of western Pennsylvania&rsquo;s workers. When the shale revolution was just starting to rev up in Pennsylvania&rsquo;s Marcellus, more than one of those leaders expressed in very direct terms how imperative it was to ensure the jobs paying family-sustaining wages in the natural gas industry would be filled over time more by western Pennsylvanians. Labor recognized the need for more of Appalachia&rsquo;s energy industry to be stacked with regional young adults trained under Labor&rsquo;s apprenticeship programs and less by out-of-staters driving vehicles with Oklahoma and Texas license plates.</p><p>I assured them we agreed. But in their customary and endearing style, they quickly retorted with, &lsquo;Great, what are you willing to do about it, and how soon?&rsquo; Classic western PA. </p><p>For the next 20 years, we worked together, trying to build critical mass for a true Labor-industry alliance. Partnership, rather than conflict, would be the pillar of progress. We enjoyed some successes over the years of which I am quite proud. But we also felt we kept falling short of building something substantive and sustainable over the long haul. We still had not succeeded in writing the next chapter of the region&#039;s energy story. </p><p>Things began to change for the better last year, when scientific experts in the energy space and at the US Department of Energy (DOE) began to recognize the <strong>significant climate benefits of the capture and beneficial utilization of </strong><a href=\"https://www.cnx.com/about-us/what-we-do/operationsremediated-mine-gas-rmg/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>remediated mine gas</strong></a><strong> (RMG)</strong> when developing energy feedstocks for the critical industries of the future; including power generation, advanced manufacturing, hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, and AI. \u200b Shale gas blended with RMG, both manufactured in the region, could provide strategic energy supply for these critical industries that is reliable, low-cost, local, scalable, and zero-carbon.</p><p>Finally! An opportunity that delivered on all fronts, and one that could be led in western Pennsylvania by western Pennsylvanians. A new chapter not just for the region, but for all of Appalachia. And an opportunity that would have the follow-on implications of Appalachia once again driving the progress of the nation and the world.</p><p>It was evident to all of us that the epic opportunity had finally manifested, after 20 years of starts and stops. When we met with Labor and went around the table, the determination was clear: this opportunity would not be squandered.</p><h4 id=\"the-reality-and-the-opportunity\" >The Reality and the Opportunity</h4><p>Our world is experiencing growth like never before, meaning the global economy requires energy sources that can meet and sustain unprecedented levels of energy demand. Renewables receive praise and favorable headlines for growing in market share, but this is a mere distraction from the fuels that are the workhorse of global energy and environmental progress: abundant, responsibly produced, low-emission natural gas. And <strong>there&rsquo;s nowhere on the planet that provides this incredible resource better than right here in Appalachia</strong>.</p><p>It&rsquo;s been nearly three years since we formalized the bold <a href=\"https://www.cnx.com/about-us/mission-vision-strategy-and-values/appalachia-first/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Appalachia First</a> strategy<strong> </strong>to elevate our resources, dedicated workforce, and manufacturing prowess to a global level &ndash; and we&rsquo;re already witnessing how it&rsquo;s a proven strategy that&rsquo;s tailor-made for our region. While others were talking about exporting our ultra-low emissions natural gas to other regions of the world, CNX presented the hyper-local vision and strategy that the <a href=\"https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2025/july/energy-and-innovation-summit-brings-government-and-industry-leadership-to-cmu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>region is now rallying around</u></a>.</p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n        data-component=\"image-zoom-popup\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-selector=\".release-content-image__image\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-i18n=\"data:application/json;base64,eyJEb3dubG9hZCI6IkRvd25sb2FkIn0=\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-views-event=\"Story Image View\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-tracking-download-event=\"Story Image Download\"\n        data-image-zoom-popup-placement=\"content\"\n    >\n        <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover\" style=\"width: 86.95%\">\n            <img\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e/-/format/auto/\"\n                                class=\"release-content-image__image image-thumbnail-rollover__image\"\n                data-description=\"\"\n                id=\"image-370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e\"\n                data-id=\"370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e\"\n                data-original=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e/-/inline/no/chart.png\"\n                data-mfp-src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"Story image\"\n            />\n            <div class=\"image-thumbnail-rollover__caption\">\n                <svg class=\"icon icon-expand image-thumbnail-rollover__caption-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-expand\"></use>\n            </svg>            </div>\n        </div>\n\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\"></figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<p>We have an intense commitment and love for this region, and we show that by catalyzing a more dynamic energy future&mdash;redefining the energy transition in our region with Appalachia natural gas at its core.</p><p>However, this <strong>requires leaders to be realistic when establishing our future energy mix</strong>.</p><p>Shifting away from the abundant, affordable, and reliable resources we&rsquo;re endowed with to options that are unreliable and not zero-carbon will have consequences. It will stake our future on foreign regimes, force higher energy costs on Americans, and undermine the path to prosperity that created this nation.</p><p>We firmly believe <strong>the use of natural gas is good for society and has been the most effective tool for climate progress</strong>. Collaboration and public-private partnerships enabled those achievements through market-driven investments in proven technologies. CNX is now spearheading the next generation of these solutions with local partners. By being radically transparent, driving efficiencies, and leveraging our unique resources, we aim to unlock more of what this region offers.</p><p>We&rsquo;re following through on our promise to deliver for Appalachia, which is reflected in this update we are excited to share. We envisioned it and it&rsquo;s come to life right before our eyes &ndash; using more Appalachian natural gas right here in Appalachia is a great thing. CNX will always promote what makes our region so unique.</p><p>The update that follows shows we were right to bet on Appalachia First, and we&rsquo;re proud to make these important long-term commitments to the region we love.</p>\n    <figure\n        class=\"release-content-image release-content-image--contained release-content-image--align-center\"\n    >\n        <a class=\"release-content-image__link\"\n           id=\"image-3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667\"\n           href=\"https://www.cnx.com/wellpad/mam16/\"\n           data-id=\"3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667\"\n           data-track=\"Story Image View\"\n           data-placement=\"content\"\n                            target=\"_blank\"\n                rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n                       style=\"width: 100%\"\n        >\n            <img\n                class=\"release-content-image__image\"\n                src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667/-/resize/1200x/-/format/auto/\"\n                alt=\"MAM16 is a well pad located in Bell Township, Westmoreland County, PA.\"\n                                    srcset=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667/-/resize/1200x/-/format/auto/ 1x, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667/-/resize/2400x/-/format/auto/ 2x\"\n                            >\n        </a>\n        <figcaption class=\"release-content-image__caption\">MAM16 is a well pad located in Bell Township, Westmoreland County, PA.</figcaption>\n    </figure>\n<hr /><h4 id=\"catalyzing-appalachias-ultra-low-emissions-ambitions\" >Catalyzing Appalachia&rsquo;s Ultra-Low Emissions Ambitions</h4><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Capturing waste methane emissions from active and abandoned mines and converting them to <a href=\"https://www.positiveenergyhub.com/new-study-highlights-economic-impact-of-coal-mine-methane-capture-in-southwest-virginia-offering-a-model-nationwide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Remediated Mine Gas (RMG).</u></a></span><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Uniquely Appalachian pathway to net zero natural gas feedstock for heavy manufacturing, transportation, power generation, AI, and other energy-intensive industries.</span></li><li><span>Local economic and environmental benefits of converting a legacy environmental liability into a beneficial commodity.</span></li></ul></li></ul><hr /><h4 id=\"setting-the-transparency-standard\" >Setting The Transparency Standard</h4><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Established a <a href=\"https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/shapiro-admin-launches-comprehensive-air-monitoring-study-collab\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>new industry standard</u></a> by providing unprecedented real-time access to data on air, water, and waste around natural gas development sites.</span><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Open-sourcing operational data in joint-custody with PA Department of Environmental Protection via public website: <a href=\"https://www.cnx.com/sustainability-radical-transparency/environment/monitoring-sites/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>CNXRadicalTransparency.com</u></a>.</span></li></ul></li></ul><hr /><h4 id=\"building-the-workforce-of-the-future\" >Building the Workforce of the Future</h4><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Entering its 5<sup>th </sup>year, <a href=\"https://www.cnx.com/foundation/mentorship-academy-cnx/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>CNX Mentorship Academy</u></a> continues to grow in size and scope:</span><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>120 students in 2024-2025 class.</span></li><li><span>Career path opportunities include <a href=\"https://www.positiveenergyhub.com/energy-internship-day\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">energy</a>, manufacturing, real estate, health care, hospitality, and others.</span></li></ul></li></ul><hr /><h4 id=\"sustainably-powering-the-ai-economy\" >Sustainably Powering the AI Economy</h4><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Appalachian RMG coupled with local shale gas offers reliable, net zero power now.</span></li><li><span>Zediker Station property to <a href=\"https://www.aipowerpittsburgh.com/builders/cnx-taps-unique-local-resources-to-power-ai-demand-blending-sustainability-speed-to-market-and-community-impact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>demonstrate</u></a> unique sustainability offering, speed to market, and community impact model for AI economy.</span><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>1300-acre Washington County site primed for development and dubbed one of premier potential sites in PA.</span></li></ul></li></ul><hr /><h4 id=\"micro-til-no-appalachian-community-left-behind\" >Micro-TIL: No Appalachian Community Left Behind</h4><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Unlike traditional philanthropy, which often disperses resources across broad regions or large organizations, <a href=\"https://www.positiveenergyhub.com/what-is-micro-til\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>micro-TIL</u></a> is&nbsp;hyper-localized.</span></li><li><span>Funds and resources are delivered directly to individuals, families, and small entities with the greatest need.</span><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Micro-TIL allows CNX to respond quickly to emerging community needs, adapting support as circumstances change.</span></li></ul></li></ul><hr /><div id=\"bookmark-3245e29b-948e-4945-9f3b-8cb5d5b7b68a\"\n     class=\"release-content-bookmark release-content-bookmark--horizontal\">\n\n    \n    <div class=\"release-content-bookmark__details\">\n\n                    <a class=\"release-content-bookmark__title\"\n               href=\"https://www.positiveenergyhub.com/category/appalachia-first\"\n               rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n               target=\"_blank\"               data-type=\"bookmark\"\n               data-track=\"Story WebBookmark Click\"\n               data-placement=\"content\"\n               data-id=\"3245e29b-948e-4945-9f3b-8cb5d5b7b68a\"\n           >\n                Appalachia First            </a>\n        \n                    <div class=\"release-content-bookmark__description\">\n                A vision for the future that embraces innovation and harnesses the talent, resources, and opportunities of Appalachia to transform our region, nation, and the world \u2013 all while lowering emissions and providing more low cost energy.            </div>\n        \n        <a href=\"https://www.positiveenergyhub.com/\"\n           target=\"_blank\"\n           rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"\n           class=\"release-content-bookmark__provider\"\n        >\n            <img class=\"release-content-bookmark__provider-icon\" src=\"https://avatars.prezly.com/favicon?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.positiveenergyhub.com%2Fcategory%2Fappalachia-first&newsroom=335a4011-7fdf-410f-8e36-cb891220e74b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" />\n            Positive Energy Hub        </a>\n    </div>\n</div>\n<div id=\"story-bookmark-06993882-c32d-435c-a848-0c67a913f1ae\"\n     class=\"release-content-story-bookmark release-content-story-bookmark--vertical\">\n\n            <a class=\"release-content-story-bookmark__thumbnail\"\n           href=\"https://positive-energy-hub.prezly.com/what-theyre-saying\"\n           rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n           target=\"_blank\"           style=\"background-image: url(https://prezly.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.uc.assets.prezly.com%2F063a95e0-26c3-4018-8ebd-e4628c3db72b%2F-%2Fpreview%2F600x600%2F?ar=2%3A1&amp;fit=crop&amp;s=1ec7d11eb3092132fbb62eb8fe10301e)\"\n        ></a>\n    \n    <div class=\"release-content-story-bookmark__details\">\n\n                    <a class=\"release-content-story-bookmark__title\"\n               href=\"https://positive-energy-hub.prezly.com/what-theyre-saying\"\n               rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n               target=\"_blank\"               data-type=\"story-bookmark\"\n               data-track=\"Story StoryBookmark Click\"\n               data-placement=\"content\"\n               data-id=\"06993882-c32d-435c-a848-0c67a913f1ae\"\n           >\n                What They\u2019re Saying            </a>\n        \n                    <div class=\"release-content-story-bookmark__description\">\n                Appalachia First 2.0            </div>\n        \n        <a href=\"https://positive-energy-hub.prezly.com/\"\n           target=\"_blank\"\n           rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"\n           class=\"release-content-story-bookmark__provider\"\n        >\n            <img class=\"release-content-story-bookmark__provider-icon\" src=\"https://avatars.prezly.com/favicon?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpositive-energy-hub.prezly.com%2Fwhat-theyre-saying&newsroom=335a4011-7fdf-410f-8e36-cb891220e74b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" />\n            positive-energy-hub.prezly.com        </a>\n    </div>\n</div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>",
    "images": [
        {
            "caption": "",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/bfa18a4c-0efb-43ee-aff0-1368cffff638/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        },
        {
            "caption": "",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/370e2bd1-2e3b-44f7-8515-c6ac89678a4e/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        },
        {
            "caption": "MAM16 is a well pad located in Bell Township, Westmoreland County, PA.",
            "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667/",
            "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/",
            "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/",
            "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/",
            "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/",
            "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3c19e2ee-afcd-43e8-9fbd-3f097d2bf667/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/"
        }
    ],
    "links": [
        {
            "description": "Appalachia First",
            "url": "https://www.positiveenergyhub.com/category/appalachia-first"
        }
    ],
    "author": {
        "first_name": "Stephen",
        "last_name": "Peck"
    },
    "format_version": 5
}