This series of six reports examines the economic effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the economy of the Gulf Coast and document the economic recovery of affected states, localities and industries during the two years following the hurricanes. The first report was issued in October 2005, approximately two months after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast. The final report...

Pursuant to the requirements of the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 (PERA), the Department of Commerce prepared this analysis of changes in propane prices relative to other energy sources. The report presents the relevant price data and concludes that propane prices have not exceeded the threshold established by PERA.

The Advisory Committee on Measuring Innovation in the 21st Century Economy was established by the Secretary of Commerce in September 2006 to recommend ways to improve the measurement of innovation in the economy. In its report, the Advisory Committee outlines its recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce for steps to be taken by the government, the business community and government and private...

Pursuant to the requirements of the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 (PERA), the Department of Commerce is required to analyze changes in propane prices relative to other energy sources. This interim report comes 180 days after the latest report found that propane prices exceeded a threshold established by PERA. This report presents the relevant price data and concludes that in 2008...

Pursuant to the requirements of the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 (PERA), the Department of Commerce prepared this analysis of changes in propane prices relative to other energy sources. The report presents the relevant price data and concludes that propane prices have not exceeded the threshold established by PERA.

Over the past year, there has been some concern over the potential economic impact of unusually high natural gas prices. Although natural gas prices declined from $10 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) in December 2005 to about $6 recently, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects prices to return to the unprecedented price levels of last year as we move back into this winter’s heating...

Pursuant to the requirements of the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 (PERA), the Department of Commerce prepared this analysis of changes in propane prices relative to other energy sources. The report presents the relevant price data and concludes that propane prices have not exceeded the threshold established by PERA.

People, over time, generally experience changes in income and economic well-being. Measures such as poverty rates and median income are useful for understanding general economic trends; however, these aggregates often mask the extent of income variability experienced by individuals. Longitudinal surveys, by tracking the same households over time, allow for the study of personal income dynamics.