On Wednesday, June 18, the Fauquier County Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend that the seven-building, 2.2-million-square-foot data center campus known as “Gigaland” be denied. Although the recommendation to deny is a positive result, the Board of Supervisors can still approve this project at the regular Board meeting on September 11.
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.
Data Centers: Industry Impacts In Virginia
Virginia holds the largest global concentration of data centers anywhere in the world. This multibillion-dollar industry requires huge amounts of energy, land, and water, resulting in widespread community impacts. Without swift intervention, data centers in the Commonwealth will derail critical climate goals and efforts to improve air and water quality, advance land conservation, and protect national and state parks.
Questioning an Explosive Forecast: PEC Intervenes in Dominion IRP
Several years into the data center explosion in our region, the big picture is finally becoming clear to both the public and our decision makers. No longer are our communities just hearing The Piedmont Environmental Council’s warnings about the potential future impacts of this growth; we are all facing the full onslaught of those impacts now.
Proposed Gigaland Data Center Development Looms Over Remington
A proposal for a massive data center campus known as “Gigaland,” if approved, would have major implications for Remington and Fauquier County and pave the way for more transmission lines and data center approvals. We are urging residents of Fauquier to oppose the project at the upcoming public hearing at the Fauquier County Planning Commission on Wednesday, June 18.
Data Center Resources for Communities, Community Leaders & Elected Officials
A list of links and resources to better understand data centers and their impacts.
Proposed Transmission Line Routes in Loudoun Could Have Significant Impacts for Residents
Increasing energy demand in Loudoun — the data center capital of the world — requires extensive new infrastructure buildout. To meet the load demand, fueled principally by data centers, Dominion Energy has initiated several new/expanded major transmission line projects, including the Morrisville-Wishing Star Electric Transmission Project. Over the last month, Dominion has held four county-based open houses to present options for the Morrisville-Wishing Star route to community members.
Loudoun Development Tracker
In an effort to track development applications that could impact important natural, cultural and historic resources, as well as the quality of life for Loudoun residents, PEC has created a shared spreadsheet that anyone can view.
Transmission Line Mega Project Approval Process Accelerated Without Complete Review and Mitigation of Serious Impacts
This month, Dominion is holding three community meetings on the Morrisville-Wishing Star 500kV and 230kV electric transmission lines through Fauquier, Prince William and Loudoun counties.
Solarize Piedmont Returns for 2025, Making Solar Power More Accessible to Virginia Homeowners
The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), in collaboration with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), is excited to announce the launch of Solarize Piedmont 2025.
Upcoming Dominion Community Meetings About Proposed Transmission Line
In May, Dominion will hold community meetings on one of its projects — the Morrisville-Wishing Star 500kV and 230kV electric transmission lines through Fauquier, Prince William and Loudoun counties.