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.
Press Center
Please address general press inquiries to Cindy Sabato at csabato@pecva.org or 540-347-2334 x7021 — or to the point of contact listed in a specific press release. You can also get in touch with PEC on twitter: @piedmontenviron.
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.
Eleven properties protected in Albemarle County
With over 1,700 acres of land protected this past year and 111,305 total acres conserved, Albemarle now has more lands under conservation easements than any other locality in the Commonwealth.
Land Trust Accreditation Renewed
We are happy to announce that PEC’s accreditation as a land trust — a mark of distinction in land conservation — was renewed in August 2022. PEC was first accredited in 2011, and this renewal by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission signifies its continued confidence that the 10,600+ acres of land that PEC holds in easement will be protected forever.
PEC Announces Annual Photo Contest Winners for 2022
The Piedmont Environmental Council is pleased to announce its 2022 annual photo contest winners.
PEC celebrates its 50th anniversary with Ridgeline: A collaborative art experience by ET Projects at Oak Spring Garden Foundation
Early in October, as part of its 50th Anniversary Celebration, The Piedmont Environmental Council welcomed several hundred schoolchildren, their families, and other community members into a two-night extraordinary collaborative performance, produced by ET Projects, at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s Rokeby Runway.
New Fifeville Trail Grand Opening set for November 5
Community leaders and residents of Charlottesville will now celebrate the formal opening of the new Fifeville Trail with a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 5, rain or shine.
Town Hall Meeting Will Provide New Information Surrounding Proposed Warrenton Amazon Data Center
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, Citizens for Fauquier County, The Piedmont Environmental Council and Protect Fauquier will host a town hall event to explore the myths and realities of Amazon’s proposed Blackwell Road data center in Warrenton.
Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative offers financial incentives for delayed haying and summer pasture stockpiling
Now through Nov 15, 2022, the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) is accepting applications for its 2023 financial incentives program.
Volunteers needed to help plant native trees in Sperryville for a cleaner Rappahannock River watershed
PEC is seeking about 30 community volunteers to help plant 330 native trees and shrubs along Kilbys Creek in Sperryville on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and from 1:30 – 4 p.m.