James Bruggers covers the US Southeast, part of the InsideClimate News National Environment Reporting Network. He came to InsideClimate News in May 2018 from Louisville, Ky.’s Courier Journal, where he covered energy and the environment for more than 18 years. He has also worked as a correspondent for USA Today and was a member of the USA Today Network environment team. Before moving to Kentucky, Bruggers worked as a journalist in Montana, Alaska, Washington state, and California, covering a variety of issues including the environment.  Bruggers’s work has been widely recognized, including the National Press Foundation’s Thomas Stokes Award for energy reporting. He served on the board of directors of the Society of Environmental Journalists for 13 years, including two years as president. He lives in Louisville with his wife, Christine Bruggers, and their cat, Lucy.