Energy in America

Some utility rates could go down after US corporate tax cuts

Public utility regulators from Oklahoma to Massachusetts are considering lowering the rates that homeowners and businesses pay for electricity and natural gas after a federal tax overhaul signed into law by President Donald Trump reduced the corporate income tax rate by 14 percent.

Senator: Drilling plan carve-out for Florida may be illegal

Opposition to the Trump administration's plan to expand offshore drilling is mounting as Democrats from coastal states accuse President Donald Trump of punishing states with Democratic leaders and a second Republican governor asks to withdraw his state from the plan.

Business Highlights

___ Walmart boosts starting pay, closing dozens of Sam's Clubs NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart is closing dozens of Sam's Club warehouse stores across the country after announcing earlier that it was boosting its starting salary for U.S. workers.

Coal executive's 'action plan' finds success under Trump

In the early days of the Trump administration, the head of one of America's largest coal companies sent a four-page "action plan" to the White House calling for rollbacks of Obama-era environmental and mine safety regulations.

Dems say Trump action on Florida drilling guided by politics

Democrats from coastal states are accusing the Trump administration of punishing states with Democratic leaders after the administration said it would block oil drilling off Florida's coast following objections from that state's Republican governor.

Business Highlights

___ As companies give bonuses, prospect of pay gains still hazy WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines is handing out $1,000 bonuses to its employees.

States to US: Pass along utilities' tax savings to customers

Attorneys general, consumer advocates and regulators in more than a dozen states are asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure that utility customers also benefit from windfalls utilities will reap from corporate tax cuts included in the federal tax overhaul.