This article examines the continuing debate over the limits to economic growth focusing on oil, oil technologies, and the services provided by those technologies. Since there is a growing consensus that oil production will be in short supply in the next 30 or so years, it is important to examine all viable oil alternatives. We use the concept of the energy utilization chain (EUC) to evaluate oil alternatives and their effect on the economy. The EUC effectively makes the connection between a resource shortage and economic growth. We conclude that all oil alternatives now and in the next 30-40 years will create a declining economy.