The Virginia Department of Environmental Equality’s withdrawal of its proposed variance that would have allowed data centers to circumvent Virginia’s air pollution control regulations limiting the use of heavily polluting, industrial sized, emergency diesel generators is a step in the right direction, and although we’d like to think it’s an indication that DEQ recognizes its waiver would be harmful to human health and the environment, the DEQ notice unfortunately makes it clear that the agency has done the right thing for the wrong reason.
PEC
2023-2028 Strategic Plan
The Piedmont Environmental Council’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan sets a direction for the years ahead.
Lauren Seeling
Lauren spent 20 years in the real estate settlement industry as a licensed title insurance agent, but decided to make a career move and give up the long commute to Northern Virginia. She joined PEC as the Bookkeeper in February of 2023 and is excited that she can walk to work when the weather is nice! Lauren grew up in Centreville, spent several years in the Fredericksburg area and moved to Warrenton in 2011 where she currently lives with her family.
Ashish Kapoor
Ashish Kapoor joined PEC in March 2023 as the Senior Energy & Climate Advisor.
Spring 2023 Piedmont View
In this issue: South River conservation corridor; meet volunteers Jennifer Dorrer and Felix Kontanis; PEC field reps On the Ground across the region; upcoming events, and more!
2022 Land Conservation Totals
Last year, landowners partnered with The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and other land trusts and conservation agencies to permanently protect 6,651 acres of land in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Orange and Rappahannock counties.
On the Ground Updates – March 2023
A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.
Spring 2023 Tree Planting Opportunities
We are so excited for our four volunteer tree plantings this spring in Clarke, Culpeper Orange and Rappahannock counties during March and April.
Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Air Quality in Jeopardy
The VA Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking comment on an order that will temporarily allow data centers in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties to operate their generators for longer and more frequent periods of time due to projected grid instability issues during peak summer energy usage.
Nine-county land conservation totals 6,651 acres in 2022
Last year, landowners partnered with The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and other land trusts and conservation agencies to permanently protect 6,651 acres of land in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Orange and Rappahannock counties.