The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has proposed a major change that would allow data centers to run polluting Tier II backup diesel generators during planned outage events, such as during construction projects and grid maintenance, that could last for days or weeks.
Maps & Resources
Deconstruction and documentation of former Gilberts Corner gas station building to begin Dec. 2
After nearly three years of careful evaluation, The Piedmont Environmental Council has made the difficult but necessary decision to carefully deconstruct the 1927 Gilberts gas station structure at the Gilberts Corner Farmers Market, located at the intersection of U.S. Routes 15 and 50, in the interest of public safety.
Press Release: Piedmont Environmental Council Reacts to SCC Decisions in the Biennial Rate Case
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) just announced its decision in the historic rate-setting case for Dominion Energy. “While this decision recognizes that data center demand is driving future expenditures – and grants Dominion’s request for a new large load class — many issues remain unresolved,” said PEC President Chris Miller.
Press Release: PEC Announces 2025 Photo Contest Winners
The Piedmont Environmental Council is pleased to announce the winners of its 2025 Annual Photo Contest.
2025 Impact Report
Thank you for taking a moment to read about PEC’s achievements across our region and throughout our programs this year. We could not do this work without your support and your commitment, so thank you for giving generously and engaging in the future of your community!
Three Things Everyone Needs to Know About Data Centers in Virginia, Right Now
Data centers and rising energy costs were a top issue for voters in the election. But who’s really in charge? And, who’s responsible for ensuring there’s a transparent, sustainable, achievable energy plan for our state?
Community invited to judge PEC annual photo contest finalists through Nov. 16
MEDIA CONTACT: Hugh Kenny, Multimedia Communications Specialist, [email protected]; 540-347-2334, x7024
WARRENTON, VA. (Nov 1, 2025) – Finalists in The Piedmont Environmental Council’s 15th Annual Photo Contest have been selected and community members are now invited to view the images and vote for their favorites through Sunday, Nov. 16. To view the images and vote, visit pecva.org/photovote.
From among more than 700 entries, PEC staff and local professional photographers chose five finalists in each of four categories: Beautiful Landscapes and Streetscapes, Native Plants and Fungi, Wonderful Wildlife, and Youth. All finalists receive a one-year PEC membership and have their work featured in PEC’s upcoming online and/or print publications.
Chosen by community vote, the winners in each adult category will receive a $100 gift certificate to a nearby restaurant participating in PEC’s “Buy Fresh Buy Local” program. The Youth Category winner will receive their choice of a $100 gift card to a “Buy Fresh Buy Local” restaurant or a prepaid Visa card.
“The submissions to this year’s photo contest were absolutely amazing. These images help us tell important stories and connect people with this beautiful place in new and exciting ways. Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo,” said Hugh Kenny, PEC’s multimedia communications specialist and contest coordinator.
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2024 Photo Winners:
- Beautiful Landscapes: Luke Christopher, of Little Washington in Rappahannock, for “Looking down from Red Oak Mountain.” Caption: “Looking down from Red Oak Mt. on Shiloh church.”
- Wonderful Wildlife: Dorothy Kray of The Plains in Fauquier County, for “Fool Me Once.” Caption: “We all have that one sibling!
- Native Plants and Fungi: Jim Emery of Ashburn in Loudoun County, for “Snow-Capped Oyster Mushrooms.” Caption: “Snow-capped oyster mushrooms growing on a tree after moderate snowfall in Ashburn.”
- Youth Category: Alden Peterson of The Plains in Fauquier County, for “Rainy Nasturtium.” Caption: “Rainy Nasturtium at Chancellor’s Rock Farm Garden, Rappahannock County, Va”
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.
Op-Ed: Protect Virginians from paying billions for data center infrastructure
Billions of dollars of new power generation and transmission infrastructure is needed to meet data center demand. As of now, all of Virginia’s ratepayers are on the hook to pay for this through their electric bills.
Press Release: Energy independence and dual land use are central pillars of PEC’s new crop-based agrivoltaics demonstration project
On an appropriately sunny Friday afternoon, Oct. 17, more than 70 community members came together at The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows to officially “cut the ribbon” on Virginia’s first crop-based agrivoltaics project.
Videos: Agrivoltaics Project at PEC’s Community Farm
Explore our video updates detailing the exciting progress of the Piedmont Environmental Council’s agrivoltaics project, where solar energy and sustainable agriculture meet.