12 thoughts on “Monday Open Thread”

1. Local residents living in oil-dependent counties experienced long-term effects following the oil boom and bust of the 1980s
    

   On average, the incomes of boom households increased by $5,000 dollars annually during the early years of the 1975-1979 oil boom and $6,900 per year during the later boom of 1980-1984, compared with similar households in counties that were not producing oil. The subsequent bust, however, reduced household incomes on average by more than $8,000 annually from 1985 to 1992. These losses were driven in part by increased unemployment and the dissipation of relative wage gains during the boom. 

   

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   1. I recall the couple of times, back in 2005/2006 when, as a local homebuilder, I was invited to lunch at the bank for a "business roundtable".

      It turned out, the reason for the occasion was for the local oil and gas industry people to convince the local business community that they would be rolling in money if they just get on the O&G money wagon and let them do as they please.

      Of course, they did not mention the damage and expense they would inflict on the community.

      I did. I was not invited back.

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      1. The societal costs almost always exceed the benefits of any unregulated industry.
          

         We never seem to learn.  

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         1. Variations on the theme of that wonderful quotation from a Shrek (2001) character:

            Some of you may die, but it's a sacrifice I am willing to make.

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         2. Michael: it's worth a mention that Headwaters Economics; based in Bozeman & Helena MT; has done a number of studies showing the high economic value of protected federal lands in rural counties in the West. These lands, among others, include national parks, national monuments, and designated wilderness.

            As an add on, the only major industry group that actually grew; albeit slightly; during the Great Recession of 2007-09 was outdoor recreation.

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            1. I’ve read some of those pieces. Great data; should serve as a North Star for policy making in the west. Tourism and its massive economic impacts will be with us long after the next boom and bust cycles. 

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            2. Another “North Star” adds attitudinal info to the good work of Headwaters Economics.  That’s the Conservation I the West (formerly State of the Rockies) polling published annually by Colorado College.  It adds attitudinal data to the economic work of Ray Rasker and staff at Headwaters.  Sometimes pretty surprising info re: attitudes on pertinent issues that often overlaps. 
               Placed side-by-side they can be eye openers.  

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               1. I’ve been a fan of Ray Rasker since the days when he was with the Sonoran Institute. I heard him give a presentation in Montrose in 1996. Very good and knowledgeable.

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      2. Colorado may have more sites with dangerous “forever chemicals” than any other state

         "A new analysis of an EPA database shows demand for PFAS in fracking and other industries puts Front Range at the top of the contamination list."

         Weld county leads the country. 

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         1. As Yoda would say, "Surprised, am I not".

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2. Today is National Chocolate Cupcake Day 

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   1. No, it isn't.  That's just a dumbass commercial promotion.

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