In July, President George W. Bush lifted the executive ban on offshore drilling in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. In no time, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats were out in force claiming this was a bad idea. They cited the amount of time it will take to create any new production as a reason for dissent. They also claimed that the adverse effect on the environment and our need to get away from oil were reasons not to proceed. Their lamentable lack of foresight was most apparent. It will take years for renewable technologies to make a significant and practical contribution, so developing new resources while using the old makes sense to most Americans.

This month’s cover story, “Knowledge Is Power,” points out that, as consumers, we may be angry but are not helpless. We have the power to vote with our dollars, and we can move mountains. If you, like me, are fascinated by such futuristic developments as the home-based windmill or the do-it-yourself hydrogen generator, you have to read this article.

Also this month, I bring you up to date on World Energy Television – the only video resource that provides a counterpoint to traditional media coverage of the industry by offering an often underrepresented perspective from energy’s insiders and experts.

Steven C. Huey reminds us that branding – that staple of other industries – is sorely lacking in our own. It’s time to remedy that problem. Eric R. Graves describes how today’s technology gives our industry, along with everyone else, the “power to publish,” and that includes using massively popular sites like YouTube to get our vital messages across. (I can vouch for YouTube; our World Energy videos get hundreds of hits monthly there.) And Jason Davila asks the question on everyone’s mind – “Why Do Energy Prices Keep Rising?” – and provides an answer that Congress may not wish to hear.

August’s spotlights on Latin America and North America focus on controversy in Mexico over a move toward energy privatization, questions about Bolivia’s ability to meet its gas-shipment obligations and reaction to President Bush’s historic lift of the offshore drilling ban.

Is the president’s “let’s get drilling” policy good for the nation? Or (more cynically) is it a lame duck’s attempt at boosting his approval ratings in time to get his Republican successor elected? The way Americans of both parties are taking the news, it’s clear that many citizens no longer trust their elected officials to take the lead on energy policy. The days of leaving the decisions to others are over.

Let’s remember the basics: By the people, for the people. And the last time I looked, we were the people. I have a feeling that more people agree than disagree with the need to take personal responsibility and, with it, assume personal power. Today we need to use our wits to figure out how to power this planet, and nothing is more important.

Richard R. Loomis
Editor-in-Chief