Research Institute for Environment, Energy, and Economics (RIEEE)

Appalachian's Research Institute for Environment, Energy, and Economics (RIEEE) was established in November 2008 to enhance research opportunities for faculty and students whose interests are associated with environmental science, renewable energy and economics.

The Institute will serve as an umbrella organization for three centers including The Appalachian Energy Center and the Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA), which currently exist, and the Southern Appalachian Environmental Research and Education Center (SAEREC), which has been proposed. The Centers represent the three major elements of research and educational outreach concerning the the environment, energy, and economics.

Because of its setting, Appalachian has drawn faculty and students who have a strong commitment and interest in environmental issues and expressed in many forms from energy conservation and innovative technologies to environmental economic policies. The University has built a reputation from its strong academic programs, community outreach and interdisciplinary research initiatives. Today, many faculty members across colleges and multiple disciplines focus on research at the intersection of energy, the environment and economic policy.