Twelve college students and recent graduates from around the country joined us this summer for the 19th annual Randal Fellowship, an eight-week immersion program in The Piedmont Environmental Council’s work and exploration of conservation-related careers.
PEC
Golden to Mars Project Timeline
Dominion Energy plans to build 8.4 miles of new transmission infrastructure in the Ashburn and Dulles area to carry 500 kV and 230 kV powerlines to Data Center Alley.
The proposed Golden to Mars transmission line (red) is part of a three-segment loop proposed by Dominion to move more power to data centers.
Known as the Golden to Mars line, it is the last segment of a three-part loop to serve Data Center Alley, which connects with the Aspen to Golden line (under litigation) and the Wishing Star to Mars line. It also includes two offshoot 230 kV loops (Lockridge and Sojourner).
SCC Talking Points: Golden to Mars Tranmission Line
In order to have the most impact, it is important to tailor your comments to the SCC’s priorities and objectives, as their decision-making is guided by strict standards. PEC has put together the following talking points to help you craft your comment.
Why Should Virginians Pay Big Tech’s Electric Bills?
The 2025 Biennial Review of Dominion Energy currently underway is the most important rate case in decades.
Fall Tree Planting Volunteer Opportunities
We are so excited for our three volunteer tree plantings this fall! Planting native trees and shrubs along streams, rivers, and ponds – also known as riparian buffers – is a way to help clean water and connect wildlife habitat.
Assma Shabab
Assma joined PEC in August 2025 as the Cartographer and GIS Analyst. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy and holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hollins University.
Facts About the Gigaland Data Center Project
A massive data center complex known as Gigaland is being proposed in Remington, Fauquier County VA. The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) opposes the outsized development, which we believe will overwhelm the town and open the door for more data centers and transmission lines, straining electricity and water supplies in Fauquier and contributing to unhealthy air, noise and water pollution.
Laura Schliesske
Laura Schliesske joined The Piedmont Environmental Council as an Advancement Assistant in August 2025. Prior to that, Laura worked as a ranger at Sky Meadows State Park, where she gained a deep appreciation for PEC’s conservation work through the park’s connection to PEC’s property at the Piedmont Memorial Overlook.
Randal Fellows Alumni Testimonials
More than 200 college-age students have graduated from our Randal Fellowship Program. Hear what alumni had to say in their own words.
Evelyn Eichorn
Evelyn Eichorn joined The Piedmont Environmental Council as a Senior Land Use Field Representative for Fauquier County in June 2025. Evelyn grew up in Michigan, the heart of the Great Lakes region, known for its agriculture and recreation. After spending most of her formative years on farms, in 4-H, and with horses, she pursued degrees in business and agriculture.