Here are links to something I wrote for CNN and notes from an interview with NPR.
Category Archives: energy
Will high oil prices bring a new recession?
Ten of the 11 recessions in the United States since World War II have been preceded by an increase in oil prices. Does the recent surge in oil prices mean we should be looking for recession number 12?
Saudi oil production and the Libyan conflict
One of the key questions in assessing the effect of the Libyan conflict on world oil prices was the extent to which an increase in Saudi production would offset some of the lost output from Libya. Now we know the answer, and it’s not reassuring.
Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion Project
If President Obama is looking for ideas that would build American infrastructure, create jobs, and reduce the budget deficit, here’s an option to consider.
Brent-WTI spread
The puzzling differential between the price of oil in different markets seems to be persisting.
Some Thoughts on Energy Independence
The President’s new initiative on increasing energy independence inspired much commentary on how much it was aspirational, rather than realistic; see for instance this extensive NYT article. In this post, I want to consider whether reduced dependence on imported energy is a worthwhile objective.
Natural gas moving forward
The Denver Post reported the opening on Saturday of stations offering compressed natural gas to drivers in Grand Junction and Rifle, towns along Interstate 70 in western Colorado, making it possible to drive a vehicle fueled by compressed natural gas from Denver to Los Angeles.
More favorable developments
Last week’s new economic data began with a personal income and outlays report which suggested slower consumption growth. But the numbers released Friday are a little more encouraging.
Consumption spending slowing down
Guess what: rising energy prices are taking a toll on consumers.
Commodity prices in pictures
A few graphs I found interesting.