With Apex Acquisition, CNX Doubles Down on Unique Approach in the Alle-Kiski Valley
February 24, 2025
By Positive Energy Hub Staff
CNX recently closed on the acquisition of Apex Energy’s assets in Pennsylvania, where we purchased approximately 36,000 acres in Westmoreland County – but we’re not new here. We’ve been a dedicated community partner in this region for years, investing in ways that make tangible and impactful differences while uplifting the communities that have powered western Pennsylvania, as well as the nation, for generations.
Growing in Westmoreland County and the broader Alle-Kiski Valley area – which we refer to as our Central Pennsylvania (CPA) operating region – presents exciting opportunities for our business, as well as for the people who live and work here.
High safety, environmental, and Appalachia First-focused community engagement standards, coupled with the Radical Transparency initiative collaboratively brought to the area by CNX, Governor Josh Shapiro, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, raises the bar for what it means to be a responsible energy producer.
“CNX's Radical Transparency environmental monitoring and real-time disclosure initiative...provides local communities and residents with an even greater level of transparency into our operations, which we believe is second to none in our industry. We look forward to bringing the Apex assets into the CNX family,” commented Nick Deiuliis, CNX President and CEO.
We’re eager to get these newly acquired assets integrated into CNX operating standards. Residents within the former Apex footprint will soon learn how our Radical Transparency efforts to date in Westmoreland County help us learn about the unique characteristics of each community where we operate. This insight allows CNX to tailor operations to better meet individual community needs, ensuring that our practices align with local expectations and priorities.
For instance, in response to community feedback on light pollution, we have implemented the “dark sky” concept to minimize light use at night. Across five locations in the CPA region combined, we have completed 465 dark nights as of January 2025.
Another example where CNX has taken a hands-on approach to community engagement is through local infrastructure improvements such as the Kiski Water Line project. The $20 million investment not only supports our development efforts but also improves water reliability for local residents within the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC) footprint. In 2024, the water line eliminated more than 11,000 water trucks from roads in the CPA region and ensures the area is equipped to better manage its water resources during the Kiski River’s high flow periods. Additionally, the water line has the potential to support other business’ freshwater needs including agriculture, industrial, and manufacturing use.
The new North Apollo office that opened this past summer further supports our expanding operations in the CPA region, which serves as a central hub where landowners and stakeholders can meet with us, ask questions, and build important relationships and local dialogue with our team.
Strong Communities
We recognize that strong communities require strong foundations, and we’ve worked closely with local leaders to identify projects that make a lasting impact, all while respecting and honoring the region’s deep energy history.
One of our most impactful projects across our operating footprint has been our workforce training programs. Through the CNX Mentorship Academy, we’re helping to create pathways for students to enter high-demand careers, including in energy and the skilled trades, keeping the region’s workforce strong and engaged in emerging energy opportunities.
CNX employees, partners, and friends also regularly participate in community events, such as the annual golf outing at The Links in Spring Church, which funds school food pantries across the region and allowed us to zero out lunch debt across the Kiski Area School District. In addition, CNX Dream Fields investments revitalize athletic facilities – where five fields were transformed in 2024.
Most recently, CNX and CEO Nick Deiuliis announced a new initiative targeting school lunch debt, local veterans’ needs, and other socio-economic barriers like medical debt in the Alle-Kiski Valley. This exciting new campaign and distinctive philanthropic approach prioritizes hyper-localized investments directly targeting individuals and entities most in need.
“We can't think of anything more impactful to the goal of helping to build a vibrant middle class that will sustain our region and local communities for years to come,” Deiuliis said.
Investing in Our Future
Above all, CNX remains dedicated to strengthening the communities where we work and live. We know that natural gas development must be done the right way, and we hold ourselves to the highest operational, safety, and environmental standards while ensuring that local communities continue to benefit from responsible natural gas development.
By honoring the region’s past and investing in the future, we are ensuring that these vital communities not only remain strong but continue to thrive for generations to come. As we continue to evolve to meet the energy and economic needs of our community, we will keep investing in people, projects, and programs that drive real, lasting change while preserving the energy-rich legacies of Appalachia.
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