Overlooking the Obvious
Mark Green
Posted August 25, 2011
Interesting points (and mesmerizing map) in Brad Plumer's post on why the employment/economic picture is better in some states than others, based on a Goldman Sachs analysis. Plumer lists the reasons:
1. Energy. "States that are linked to the oil and natural gas industry do particularly well in maintaining employment," Plumer writes, "among them Alaska, Texas, Wyoming and North Dakota (which boasts a 3.3 percent unemployment rate)." More on North Dakota, here.
2. States with limited exposure to the housing bubble.
3. States with lots of high-end service jobs.
Plumer's conclusion? "Yet another reason why housing policy seems to be the most fruitful place to look for ideas about how to pull the country out of its slump."
Housing policy? Of course (insert sarcasm here). Why opt for No. 1 when No. 2 is available!
Seriously, in the search for fruitful ideas to get the economy going again, the oil and natural gas industry has demonstrated it can create jobs and is based in the private sector. In fact, no need to look hard: The ideas are right here - under our feet.
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.