Energy in America

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.

BP Energy Co. is paying California $102 million to settle claims that it overcharged the state for natural gas between 2003 and 2012, officials announced Thursday.

___ 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.

Delta Air Lines is reporting fourth-quarter profit of $572 million, easily beating expectations.

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.

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.

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

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.

New York City officials are citing climate change as their motivation to join a growing number of entities divesting themselves of financial interest in fossil fuels.

The Latest on New York City's actions on oil investments, and lawsuit against oil companies over climate change (all times local): 11:55 a.m.

New York City sues 5 major oil companies, claiming they contributed to global warming.

Share prices were mostly lower in Asia on Wednesday as the afterglow from Wall Street's extended winning streak faded.

U.S. stock indexes held close to their record levels on Tuesday, and the Standard & Poor's 500 edged higher as calm continues to reign over markets around the world.

The Trump administration says it will not allow oil drilling off the coast of Florida, bowing to pressure from Republican Gov. Rick Scott.

Duke Energy will pay an $84,000 penalty and work to end leaks of potentially toxic waste from three North Carolina coal-burning power plants into groundwater and nearby rivers.

___ World Bank predicts solid 3.1 percent global growth in 2018 WASHINGTON (AP) — The World Bank is predicting that the global economy will grow 3.1 percent this year, which would be its best showing in seven years.

The head of the nation's largest privately owned coal company is blasting a decision by an independent energy agency to reject the Trump administration's plan to bolster coal-fired power plants.

The port of Vancouver's Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to terminate a rolling lease on property that would hold the nation's largest rail-to-marine oil terminal if the project's backers don't provide all the necessary permits by March.

The Latest on the New York state attorney general's investigation into possible propane gas price gouging and delivery service delays (all times local): 3:49 p.m.

Asian shares were mostly higher on Tuesday, cheered by the upbeat mood on Wall Street and hopes for a robust U.S. economy.