Virginia is undergoing an unprecedented economic, technological, and environmental transformation, all centered around the activities of one industry: data centers.
Combating Climate Change
Smart growth and development. Land conservation and good land management. Green energy policy and decision-making. These are all areas vital to combatting the effects of global climate change.
Resources from our Solar on the Farm workshop – November 14, 2023
On November 14, 2023, PEC hosted a workshop called “Solar on the Farm: Improving Your Ag Operation with On-site Energy.”
An Albemarle and Charlottesville Update
It has been a busy summer here as PEC continues to work to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities.
2024 General Assembly: Building Bipartisan Support for Conservation
Updates on the conversations taking place in Richmond and a few of the ways PEC is working to support conservation efforts statewide.
PEC Responds to Dominion Energy’s Proposed 2023 Integrated Resource Plan
In September, The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse submitted public comment on Dominion Energy’s proposed Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) as part of case number PUR-2023-00066 before the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
Mitigating Data Center Development’s Impacts
Virginia is home to the largest concentration of data centers in the world, widely cited as hosting 70% of global internet traffic. This massive industry is continuing to grow very fast, requiring huge amounts of energy, land, and water to operate, resulting in widespread community impacts.
Webinar: Solarize Virginia
In this webinar, Local Energy Alliance Program’s (LEAP) Solarize Virginia director Katie VanLangen and Solar Energy World Vice-President of Sales Brian Hacker explain everything you need to know about the Solarize campaign and the nuts-and-bolts of residential solar.
CODE RED: A Call to Action for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
On July 13, PEC joined The Coalition for Smarter Growth and 39 other organizations from Maryland, D.C. and Virginia in calling on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to take urgent action on climate change, housing, racial and economic inequity, sprawl and unsustainable transportation.
Solarize Piedmont 2023 makes going solar easy, now through Aug. 31
Solarize Piedmont 2023, a Piedmont Environmental Council campaign in partnership with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and participating municipalities, is running now through August 31.
Our Albemarle Climate Action Platform
In 2022, PEC created a preliminary climate action platform guidance document in support of a climate-ready Albemarle Country. The document summarizes the priority areas where we believe The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) can most advance our mission and support Albemarle County’s mitigation of and preparation for climate impacts.
The recommendations contained in the document directly address climate vulnerabilities and risks as identified through a thorough, scientific assessment of local impacts. Our vision is a County that is sustainable, climate resilient, innovative, equitable, and one that leads by example on inland climate mitigation and adaptation planning.