Oil: Our donut-eating diet

By John McGory

The world's economy continues to die a slow death.  The reason is simple.  Any good economic news is followed by a spike in oil futures which quickly dampens any enthusiasm for the good news. 

Today's example is from Europe.  European leaders agreed on a plan to use bailout funds to directly aid banks in Spain and Italy.   So boom, this leads to a surge in the euro, equities and commodities markets and a $4 a barrel increase in oil futures.



A Chicago trader, quoted by the Wall Street Journal, said "We got the good news from the EU and equities took off.  That's what's driving us higher."



How can the world economy recover if soaring oil prices continue to choke any good economic news?   It is like celebrating a pound loss in a diet by eating a box of donuts.



The U.S. economy is driven by the consumer.  Seventy percent of our economy is built on people buying stuff.   But anytime Joe Consumer gets a few extra bucks in his pocket from extra hours at work or a raise, higher oil prices snatch it away before he can spend it.



That is why I believe we cannot survive in this economic environment.  Oil's stranglehold on our economy allows us to live but not flourish.  The lack of competition allows oil companies to charge what the market will bear. 



An improvement in our standard of living will only come when other energy sources compete with big oil.   We need to encourage our elected leaders to push for faster development of renewable sources of energy. 



Write your representative a letter or call them up and ask them what they are doing to promote renewable sources of energy.   The status quo will not change unless we decide it is time to change.




Our oil-based economy is slowly killing us.  The U.S. and Ohio's economy are sure to continue to stagnate as long as we have our addiction to oil.  We either push for change or continue on our donut-eating diet.    


John McGory can be contacted at jrmcgory@gmail.com.

Ohio: A picture of renewable mediocrity

By John McGory

The U.S. Department of Energy's website ranks state's in terms of their renewable energy production.  Ohio is truly mediocre when it comes to its ranking.  We are 38th.

It is easy to see why states like Texas and Iowa are big wind power states, California a solar state and Idaho a hydro power generator.  These states have the natural resources to create power that Ohio does not.

It is sort of like rooting for Ohio professional sports teams.  We cheer mightly for our teams but know that we have a hard time running with the big dogs.

"We always do our best" is the phrase uttered by countless Ohio pro atheletes.  They tell their fans that as long as the team is giving its all, then good things will eventually happen.

When it comes to renewable energy production one wonders if Ohio is doing its best? The Ohio Legislature passed a 2008 mandate requiring Ohio to produce 12.5 percent of its power by renewable energy by 2025 and another 12.5 percent by alternative energy.  Renewables are solar, wind and hydro and alternatives include clean coal technology and reduced energy consumption.

Is that a good enough goal for Ohio?  The U.S. Department of Energy says Ohio produces 9.15 percent of its energy from renewable sources.  That means we only have to increase our renewable energy production by 3.35 percent in the next 13 years to meet our goal.  Seems like we can do a lot better.

Michigan voters will decide this November if their state shall require a 25 percent standard for renewable energy by 2025.  The big corporate types are coming out against it.  It is an election Ohioans should keep their eyes on. 

Let's not accept mediocrity when it comes to renewable energy.  Maybe we won't produce 100 percent of our state's energy needs like Idaho, but setting the bar a little higher could get us out of the rut known as 38th place.

John McGory is a partner in the original content marketing company, Webface, and a licensed Realtor.

Join the Ohio Energy Soldiers

By John McGory

Energy is the key to the future.  Developing renewable, clean sources of energy will improve our economy, our national security and the well-being of all of our family and friends.

Support for renewable energy is a non-partisan issue.  Polls show 85 percent of the people support it.  But changing from fossil-based energy to clean, renewable energy will take many years and the dedication of everyone to achieve it. 

The issue is simple.  The world won’t change unless we change it one person at a time.  This organization plans to do just that and would like you to join us.

Our goal is to gain supporters for energy independence and a “renewable security” for our state and nation.

You can join by liking us on Facebook.  Go here to do that http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-Energy-Soldiers/398221510229537    

Please join us if you want to make a difference.  Post on our Facebook page how you or others are changing the world one bit at a time.  If you agree, then pass along this link and encourage your friends and family to join.

Take the Ohio Energy Soldier oath: 

“As an Ohio Energy Soldier I will strengthen our state by supporting energy independence by reducing my personal carbon footprint.  I support a non-partisan approach, research and development and the use of less Ohio water for clean energy development.  I will defend our “renewable security” and support a stronger Ohio economy through a clean energy future.”

Let us honor the thousands of soldiers who have died in wars protecting sources of oil.  Let us honor them by becoming a stronger, more secure Ohio and America by producing our own energy needs through renewable clean energy.

John McGory is a partner at Webface, an original content marketing company.