As this year’s legislative session winds down, I want to take the opportunity to let you know about a few important developments in Culpeper County and encourage you to attend/weigh in and keep on the lookout for more to come.
Energy Matters
PEC works toward energy solutions that emphasize efficiency first, use appropriate technologies for the 21st Century and respect the scenic and historic character of the Piedmont.
Update: Rappahannock County Planning Commission Recommends Adoption of New Regulations for Electrical Substations
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Rappahannock County Planning Commission unanimously approved the proposed update of the county code of ordinances to require a special exception for new or expanded electrical substations.
Data Centers in the Town of Orange? Protecting Our Small-Town Character
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is working closely with residents and town officials to ensure that future development complements, not destroys, the unique character of Orange.
An Electric Super-Highway Through the Piedmont
Joining the list of new energy and infrastructure proposals across the state to serve sky-rocketing data center demand is a proposal to build the largest transmission line ever seen in Dominion Energy’s territory. Dubbed “Joshua Falls-Yeat,” the 115-mile, 765 kilovolt transmission line would cross as many as nine counties in central Virginia.
Help Get Data Center Reform Legislation Over the Finish Line!
Take Action: SB619 and SB339 passed the Senate, and we expect the House will start voting on these bills as early as this Tuesday, Feb. 24.
Tenaska Developer Continues to Push for Power Plant
Considering the known health and environmental impacts to the surrounding community (detailed below), we urge community members and the Planning Commission to vote no on granting the Special Use Permit and reject the Tenaska gas plant.
Demanding Answers from FirstEnergy: Impacts of Page-Sperryville Transmission Line Upgrade Project
FirstEnergy has proposed to “wreck and rebuild” the Page-Sperryville Transmission Line Rebuild Project. We are very concerned that without accurate and detailed information about the project, neither the public nor the county government can ask informed questions.
Take Action: HB1122 Would Give More Power to Developers at the Expense of Communities
I’m writing to ask that you take immediate action on a critical bill coming up for a vote in the General Assembly that would limit local governments’ power to manage growth and development in their area, including large projects like data centers.
Gas Plant Proposed by Remington Tech Park Data Center Developers to be reviewed by Planning Commission Feb. 19
For the first time in Fauquier County, a data center developer has applied for approval of an onsite primary power production plant that would have significant health implications for residents and other members of the community.
A Renewed Call to Pass Data Center Reform Legislation
There are still many impactful data center bills being decided on soon and we need your help supporting them.