Research Library

This report explores the many challenges in securing minerals and materials for evolving energy needs. From lengthy project timelines to China’s control of supply chains, these obstacles are creating a multifaceted and uncertain energy landscape — and a vast range of possible energy futures.

A recent Congressional Budget Office report predicts a significant increase in immigration that could boost federal revenue by nearly $1 trillion over the next decade. A new brief by Bill King, John W. Diamond, and Joyce Beebe examines the federal budget benefits and potential state and local financial strains, while urging policymakers to focus on long-term economic growth and meaningful measures for standards of living beyond short-term GDP gains.

Last year, 17% of U.S. households with children faced food insecurity — a hunger gap that directly impacts children’s development and later-life opportunities. Universal free school meals are a simple and effective solution, write Rachel T. Kimbro and Simon E. Fern.

If Texas policymakers who support school choice programs aim to pass and build a responsible and effective plan next year, they must consider the lessons and oversights already learned in other states’ implementation of similar programs, such as cautions concerning cost overruns, account spending, traditional public education support, and student achievement, writes Christopher F. Kulesza.

In the U.S., Christians tend to vote, and they tend to vote Republican. Michael Emerson explores the links between religion, race, and politics and what they could mean for Election Day.

The U.S. needs streamlined approval processes and investments in transmission infrastructure to eliminate the backlog of pending clean electricity projects, satisfy the growing demand for electricity, and meet federal and state climate goals, writes faculty scholar Daniel S. Cohan.

The TN visa program, established 30 years ago, enables skilled professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the United States. This paper uses an innovative approach to measure TN workers’ presence in the United States, revealing key insights into their labor market impact and demographics.

Mexico is in arrears delivering water from the Rio Grande River to the U.S. under an 80-year-old treaty. Drought, increased water demand, and lack of reliability are creating hardships on both sides. With the treaty terms coming up for renewal next year, now is the time to update the treaty and alleviate stresses on both countries.

Given the importance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to the economic well-being of the three countries involved, it is essential that all parties begin now to identify priorities for a formal review of the agreement to avoid trade delays and to secure economic competitiveness, writes fellow David A. Gantz.

How might the future of energy unfold? Ken Medlock joined the Baker Briefing podcast to discuss insights from our Center for Energy Studies experts into energy markets, geopolitics, sustainability, technology, and other topics explored in the inaugural “Energy Insights” report.