A Social Contract with the Pittsburgh Region: Appalachia First 2.0
Catalyzing and sustaining new pathways for the region’s energy, environmental, and socio-economic future.
September 25, 2025
By Nick Deiuliis, Chief Executive Officer
The Backstory
This great region’s Labor leaders are homegrown and passionate about their stewardship of western Pennsylvania’s workers. When the shale revolution was just starting to rev up in Pennsylvania’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’s energy industry to be stacked with regional young adults trained under Labor’s apprenticeship programs and less by out-of-staters driving vehicles with Oklahoma and Texas license plates.
I assured them we agreed. But in their customary and endearing style, they quickly retorted with, ‘Great, what are you willing to do about it, and how soon?’ Classic western PA.
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's energy story.
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 significant climate benefits of the capture and beneficial utilization of remediated mine gas (RMG) when developing energy feedstocks for the critical industries of the future; including power generation, advanced manufacturing, hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, and AI. 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.
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.
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.
The Reality and the Opportunity
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 there’s nowhere on the planet that provides this incredible resource better than right here in Appalachia.
It’s been nearly three years since we formalized the bold Appalachia First strategy to elevate our resources, dedicated workforce, and manufacturing prowess to a global level – and we’re already witnessing how it’s a proven strategy that’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 region is now rallying around.
We have an intense commitment and love for this region, and we show that by catalyzing a more dynamic energy future—redefining the energy transition in our region with Appalachia natural gas at its core.
However, this requires leaders to be realistic when establishing our future energy mix.
Shifting away from the abundant, affordable, and reliable resources we’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.
We firmly believe the use of natural gas is good for society and has been the most effective tool for climate progress. 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.
We’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’s come to life right before our eyes – using more Appalachian natural gas right here in Appalachia is a great thing. CNX will always promote what makes our region so unique.
The update that follows shows we were right to bet on Appalachia First, and we’re proud to make these important long-term commitments to the region we love.
Catalyzing Appalachia’s Ultra-Low Emissions Ambitions
- Capturing waste methane emissions from active and abandoned mines and converting them to Remediated Mine Gas (RMG).
- Uniquely Appalachian pathway to net zero natural gas feedstock for heavy manufacturing, transportation, power generation, AI, and other energy-intensive industries.
- Local economic and environmental benefits of converting a legacy environmental liability into a beneficial commodity.
Appalachia First 2.0 Commitment: Expansion of capture activities for first time to PA and tri-state region (currently only three active capture projects in the nation out of 500 active mines and thousands of abandoned mines); jobs commitment between CNX and western PA organized labor.
Setting The Transparency Standard
- Established a new industry standard by providing unprecedented real-time access to data on air, water, and waste around natural gas development sites.
- Open-sourcing operational data in joint-custody with PA Department of Environmental Protection via public website: CNXRadicalTransparency.com.
Appalachia First 2.0 Commitment: Expansion of first-in-the-nation program to additional areas of concern to local residents – ensuring alignment of natural gas development, environmental protection, and human health in communities across the Commonwealth.
Building the Workforce of the Future
- Entering its 5th year, CNX Mentorship Academy continues to grow in size and scope:
- 120 students in 2024-2025 class.
- Career path opportunities include energy, manufacturing, real estate, health care, hospitality, and others.
Appalachia First 2.0 Commitment: Continued expansion of Academy across western PA urban and rural communities.
Sustainably Powering the AI Economy
- Appalachian RMG coupled with local shale gas offers reliable, net zero power now.
- Zediker Station property to demonstrate unique sustainability offering, speed to market, and community impact model for AI economy.
- 1300-acre Washington County site primed for development and dubbed one of premier potential sites in PA.
Appalachia First 2.0 Commitment: Jobs commitment between CNX and western PA organized labor for work at Zediker site.
Micro-TIL: No Appalachian Community Left Behind
- Unlike traditional philanthropy, which often disperses resources across broad regions or large organizations, micro-TIL is hyper-localized.
- Funds and resources are delivered directly to individuals, families, and small entities with the greatest need.
- Micro-TIL allows CNX to respond quickly to emerging community needs, adapting support as circumstances change.
Appalachia First 2.0 Commitment: No “leaky roofs” in CNX operational footprint. CNX will provide the backup support for gaps in needed services for individuals and families in our local area.
