(AL AR FL GA KY LA MS NC PR SC TN)
"Coal production in Kentucky last year reached its lowest level since 1965, while shedding more than 4,000 jobs, nearly all of them in Appalachian counties, according to a new state report."
"Even as a Red Tide algae bloom is wiping out a record number of manatees in southwest Florida, a mysterious ailment is killing dozens more manatees on the state's east coast. So far, state biologists have been unable to pinpoint the cause."
"COLUMBIA, SC -- As SCE&G and other utilities work to complete atomic power plants, the law that made construction possible gives power companies less incentive to use solar, wind and other forms of alternative energy."
Rescuers are struggling to save manatees in Florida, there a Red Tide algal bloom has killed 181 of the mammals so far this year.
After CDC researchers confirmed that dengue fever had returned to the U.S., a Key West health officer said no new cases had been reported since October 2010.
"Forty years ago, when North Carolina banned using deep wells to permanently dump industrial waste, some thought the issue had been decided for good. Now state lawmakers who want to turn North Carolina into the nation’s next fracking hotspot are reopening the case for injecting brines and toxins deep underground."
James Bruggers has worked for more than 30 years as a reporter in Montana, Alaska, Washington, California and Kentucky, covering coal, energy, air quality, water quality, and local and state government environmental agencies, as well as some general assignment. For about 20 years, James has been an active SEJ member, including serving as the SEJ president who helped spearhead SEJ's awards, endowment and Freedom of Information programs. He has not missed an Annual Conference since 1994. He is on staff at The (Louisville) Courier-Journal, Kentucky's largest news organization, and has written a daily blog, Watchdog Earth, since 2006.
"A team of state scientists has outlined serious concerns about the damage South Carolina will suffer from climate change – threats that include invading eels, dying salt marshes, flooded homes and increased diseases in the state’s wildlife."
"NEW ORLEANS -- Stunning new data not yet publicly released shows Louisiana losing its battle with rising seas much more quickly than even the most pessimistic studies have predicted to date."
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