PEC

Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition

This growing coalition is made up of more than 25 environmental, conservation, historic preservation, and climate advocacy groups, as well as representatives of communities and neighborhoods across the state of Virginia.

Together, we are urging state lawmakers to study the cumulative effects of data center development on Virginia’s electrical grid, water resources, air quality, and land conservation efforts, and to institute several common-sense regulatory and rate-making reforms for the industry.

Numerous bills have been introduced in the 2024 General Assembly session thanks to the work of this collaboration in spreading the word, mobilizing public support, and working directly with elected officials to draft the legislation. We invite you to take action in supporting their passage.

Members

American Battlefield Trust
Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Legal Alliance
Citizens for Fauquier County
Clean Virginia
Coalition for Smarter Growth
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
Coalition to Protect Prince William County
Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions
Friends of the Rappahannock
Goose Creek Association
Henrico Conservation Action Network
HOA Roundtable
The Journey Through Hallowed Ground
Loudoun Climate Project
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
Manassas Battlefield Trust
National Parks Conservation Association
The Piedmont Environmental Council
Preservation Virginia
Prince William Conservation Alliance
Protect Catlett
Protect Fauquier
Sierra Club Virginia Chapter
Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action
Virginia Conservation Network
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
Virginia Native Plant Society
Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area
…and more, including 20+ HOA and community representatives

Data Center Reform Coalition Press Conference

Contact

Julie Bolthouse, Director of Land Use, Piedmont Environmental Council
jbolthouse@pecva.org; 571-442-4068.

Kyle Hart, Mid Atlantic Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association
khart@npca.org; 202-400-1193

On The Ground Updates – December 2023

On The Ground Updates – December 2023

A series of short land use and conservation updates from around the PEC region.

Virginia Conservation Network’s Our Common Agenda: 2024 Policy Briefing Book

Virginia Conservation Network’s Our Common Agenda: 2024 Policy Briefing Book

In January, the Virginia General Assembly will begin its regular session, this year held for 60 days. The Piedmont Environmental Council and the Coalition for Smarter Growth are proud to have co-authored eight of 45 briefing papers in Virginia Conservation Network’s newly released Our Common Agenda: 2024 Policy Briefing Book, which represents the policy agenda of more than 160 organizations across the state.

Our Common Agenda is your road map for state-based, pragmatic, policy solutions to address the environmental problems facing Virginia.

2023 Highlights: A Holistic Approach to Conservation

2023 Highlights: A Holistic Approach to Conservation

PEC works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. The following highlights reflect our work in 2023.

Donations FAQ

Ways to Give

Can I donate from my bank account?

Yes! The Piedmont Environmental Council accepts donations via ACH and wire transfer. Account#: 0005137673071 Routing/ABA#: 051404260. Please follow up on an ACH by contacting Kendra Atkins at katkins@pecva.org or 540.347.2334 ext. 7005 so that we know who has donated!

Can I donate by check?

Yes! Make your check, including IRA/QCD transfers, payable to “The Piedmont Environmental Council” and mail it to PO Box 460, Warrenton VA, 20188.

Can I donate using PayPal?

Yes! Donate directly to our PayPal account.

Can I donate stock?

Yes! PEC accepts gifts of appreciated stock. A gift of stock or other securities allows you to receive the full benefit of the market value of the stock gift without paying the capital gains taxes that would be recognized if you sold the stock. Please notify PEC of your gift of securities to ensure proper recording and recognition by contacting Kendra Atkins at katkins@pecva.org or 540.347.2334 ext. 7005. To learn more, please visit our gifts of assets page.

Can I dedicate my donation to someone?

Yes! To dedicate your donation in honor or memory of a loved one, colleague, or friend, click the checkbox next to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone” located below the amount selection boxes. The first and last names of your honoree are required fields. You will also have the option to input contact information and a message to the recipient, which will be automatically sent upon completion of your transaction.

Can I make updates to a recurring monthly donation?

Yes! You have the ability to manage your recurring monthly donation at pecva.org/selfservice. If you have any questions, contact Kendra Atkins at 540.347.2334 ext. 7005 or katkins@pecva.org.

Are there other ways I can support PEC?

Yes! Other ways to support PEC’s work include giving through IRA distributions or a donor-advised fund. Additionally, you can help secure the future of the Piedmont by making a planned gift through a charitable bequest. Please visit our donate page to learn more.

PEC not only accepts monetary contributions in the form of cash, checks, credit cards and gift of securities, but you can also contribute In-Kind Donations. We are often looking for items for event auctions. Anytime you make an In-Kind Donation, PEC will provide you with an In-Kind Donation Worksheet on which you will place a description of your gift and the value at the time of the gift. PEC is unable to place a value on your gift, IRS regulations require that the contributor provides all of that information. Once you have filled out the worksheet, PEC will record the amount of the donation into your gift record and provide you with a letter of acknowledgment.

Tax and Transparency Information

Will I get a receipt?

Yes, you will receive an email receipt for your online donations and a letter in the mail. If you’ve made a donation and haven’t received a receipt or need a new one, please contact Kendra Atkins at 540.347.2334 ext. 7005 or katkins@pecva.org.

Is this donation tax deductible?

Yes! The Piedmont Environmental Council is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Our EIN number is: 54-0935569.

Does PEC have a third-party charity rating?

Yes! PEC regularly submits documentation to Candid’s GuideStar and Charity Navigator to promote transparency. We are proud to hold the highest ratings possible from both organizations.

Does PEC have a refund or return policy?

If a contribution of the wrong amount is made, please contact Kendra Atkins at katkins@pecva.org or 540-347-2334 x7005 to have your donation adjusted or refunded. If an event that you have registered for has been canceled or you are no longer able to attend, please contact Kendra if you wish to have the registration fee refunded. Refunds or adjustments will be made within 10 business days.

Can I view PEC’s Statements of Financial Condition?

PEC’s financial condition is included in each year’s Annual Report. You can also view a copy of our Form 990 for 2022 or the combined PEC/Piedmont Foundation 2022 Audit online. If you have any questions, please reach out to Elizabeth DiGiulian at edigiulian@pecva.org.

What is PEC’s mission?

PEC’s mission is to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities.

Who do I contact with more questions?

Please get in touch with Kendra Atkins at 540.347.2334 ext. 7005 or katkins@pecva.org.

For PEC Members

What do I get for my membership dues?

Membership with The Piedmont Environmental Council is an investment in your community and the environment.

  • Members at the $40 level will receive our quarterly newsletter “The Piedmont View”; action alerts and invitations to special events and community meetings.
  • Members at the $75 level can choose to receive a free copy of the book, Hallowed Ground: Preserving America’s Heritage
  • Members at the $100+ level will also be recognized in PEC’s annual report and receive a copy of the publication.
  • Members at the $1000+ level will become a major donor. Learn more about becoming a major donor →

How long does my membership last?

One year. We rely on annual contributions to enable our work.

How will I know when it is time to renew my membership?

PEC will contact you approximately two months before your renewal date (i.e. the month in which you joined the organization). If you have not renewed your membership by your renewal date, we will send you a reminder in the month in which your membership is due.

How much of my membership is tax-deductible?

Your entire membership donation is tax-deductible.

How do I claim my dues/donation on my income tax return?

The advancement team of PEC makes every effort to send all donors letter of acknowledgements within a four-week period of the receipt of your gift. The letter will clearly state that you have received no goods or services for your donation. Please retain this acknowledgment for filing with your taxes. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within a timely manner, please contact Kendra Atkins at (540) 347-2334 ext 7005. 

How often am I solicited for funds by mail?

PEC will ask for you to renew your membership once a year, with a reminder two months later should you not renew immediately. We also send out quarterly updates /accomplishments which will include a solicitation envelope. You, of course, do not have to send an additional contribution when you receive these quarterly updates. So we will contact you at least five times per year.