Strong Communities

PEC believes that the work of protecting natural resources and the work of building better communities are integral to each other.

Our Albemarle Climate Action Platform

Posted on July 20, 2023July 20, 2023 by Rob McGinnis

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.

Presentation on PEC’s Albemarle County climate action and Comprehensive Plan platforms

Posted on July 19, 2023July 19, 2023 by Rob McGinnis

On June 20, 2023, PEC’s Senior Land Use Field Representative for Albemarle County presented to the Cville100 Climate Alliance on PEC’s AC44 Comprehensive Plan Update platform, which is informed by our Climate Change Platform and 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.

Albemarle County recognized for resilience planning effort

Posted on July 13, 2023July 13, 2023 by Bri West

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is pleased to congratulate Albemarle County for receiving the Resilient Virginia Community of the Year Honorable Mention in the American Planning Association Virginia Awards Program. The Resilient Virginia Community of the Year category recognizes a community’s commitment to building resilience through responsible planning practice and innovation on real-world solutions to buffer their community from adverse effects stemming from a variety of potential forces.

Regional Transit Vision Plan – Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission

Posted on June 21, 2023September 25, 2023 by Wyatt Burttschell

The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission recently released the Regional Transit Vision Plan, a product of collaborative and data-driven efforts to establish a unified long-term, clear, efficient and effective transit service for the Charlottesville region. The proposed vision network recommends improvements for Albemarle, Greene, Nelson, Fluvanna, and Louisa counties and the City of Charlottesville.

PEC Presentation on Data Centers & Virginia’s Clean Energy Future

Posted on June 21, 2023August 11, 2023 by Bri West

On June 10, 2023, The Piedmont Environmental Council hosted our annual meeting in Loudoun County and featured a workshop on data centers and Virginia’s clean energy future. The presentation, given by PEC’s Senior Energy and Climate Policy Analyst Ashish Kapoor and Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse, is available to view and download below.

Virginia’s Land Preservation Tax Credit hits a milestone

Posted on June 16, 2023June 26, 2023 by Cindy Sabato

In late April, at the Virginia Land Conservation and Greenways conference in Harrisonburg, Senator Hanger proudly announced the permanent protection of over 1 million acres of land as a direct result of the LPTC.

Madison County Land Use Update

Posted on June 13, 2023June 13, 2023 by Don McCown

2023 has already been a busy year for the Madison County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, and I am writing to share some recent highlights with you. First, a committee of residents and representatives from the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors has been meeting since November to review Madison County’s Comprehensive Plan…

As the Smoke Clears

Posted on June 9, 2023June 9, 2023 by Hugh Kenny

As the air begins to clear, it’s crucial to remember that we can and must act for a better future. Flooding, intense heat, and increased vulnerability to drought, in addition to wildfires and smoke, are among the top impacts that government at every level must actively prepare for and address.

Southwood / Biscuit Run Bridge Project

Posted on June 7, 2023June 16, 2023 by Peter Krebs

Connecting equal access, environmental best practice–and cost savings

Stevensburg residents shape their future

Posted on June 5, 2023June 5, 2023 by PEC

With the help of local community leaders and organizations, PEC informed the residents of Stevensburg and Brandy Station about the potential impacts of the AttoTek Data Center campus.