Dear Friends,

When we look back on 2026, we will recognize that it was a crucial time in the history of Virginia.

The General Assembly, faced with mounting evidence of the impacts of data centers, has taken some steps to respond to public demands to act now. And the surging cost of the sales tax exemption for data computer equipment, now at $1.9 billion — representing nearly 6% of Virginia’s $31 billion in state revenue — has triggered a split between the Senate and House and delayed a final budget until later in April.

More importantly, public participation has risen. People all over Virginia are calling for reform at the local and state level, noting the enormous impacts on electricity bills, threats to public health from air pollution, direct impacts of noise, the looming new transmission lines and the prospect of strains on already scarce water supplies. As people seek venues to express concerns, social media and other outlets are full of creative images and videos sharpening focus.

During the General Assembly session, thousands of people took the time to travel to Richmond, to send letters and emails, and to make phone calls to their representatives. Legislators spoke openly on the floor and to the press about hearing more about data centers than any other issue.

At public information sessions organized by Dominion and other utilities, hundreds of people are coming to learn about future plans for transmission lines, substations and new power plants. They are submitting written comments and taking the time to testify at public hearings. Landowners, homeowners and impacted organizations are taking an active role in proceedings of the State Corporation Commission and state agencies like the Department of Environmental Quality.

That craving to be heard and to participate has also shown up in PEC’s events promoting conservation, preservation and restoration of natural and heritage resources. As much as people are increasing their civic engagement, they are also investing in the places they love and care most about.

Over the next six months, PEC and partners will sponsor hundreds of events that provide opportunities for people to take agency in a more sustainable future: one tree, one property, one community at a time. The satisfaction and hopefulness that comes from improving native habitat for plants and animals is restorative to the human spirit. As gardeners and farmers know well, nurturing new life is deeply fulfilling and a wonderful anecdote to the frustrations in other parts of our lives. Even early this year, with snow still a recent memory, we had an incredible turnout to volunteer at tree planting events, at the PEC Community Farm, and to learn more about the Piedmont.

That same sense of satisfaction and hopefulness carries over to land conservation. In the midst of the turmoil in Virginia and the world, landowners across the region made huge commitments to a better, more sustainable future. And even more efforts are under way, more new projects being initiated.

Maybe the best ideas, plans and projects take root in the crucible of dramatic change in the economy and the world.

Sincerely,

Chris Miller, President

This article appeared in the 2026 spring edition of The Piedmont Environmental Council’s member newsletter, The Piedmont View. If you’d like to become a PEC member or renew your membership, please visit pecva.org/join.