On Dec. 11, 2023, the Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission passed a resolution authorizing a robust study into recent and expected trends within the data center industry.
Our Work
Safeguarding the landscapes, communities and heritage of the Piedmont by involving citizens in public policy and land conservation. Learn more about our work by browsing the subject areas below and find out how to get involved!
Prince William Board to Vote on World’s Largest Data Center Proposal Dec. 12
Prince William County’s planning staff and the Planning Commission have recommended denial of the Digital Gateway rezonings.
Ask Loudoun Supervisors to Adopt the New Zoning Ordinance!
This upcoming Wednesday, Dec. 13, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the proposed revisions it made to the Planning Commission’s draft Zoning Ordinance.
Resources from the Hillsboro Town Hall on Transmission Lines and Data Centers – Nov. 30, 2023
On Thursday, Nov. 30, PEC hosted more than 150 people in Hillsboro to discuss transmission line and data center proposals in Loudoun.
Recording: General Assembly Preview
On Saturday, Dec. 2, over 450 advocates banded together at Virginia Conservation Network’s 13 in-person Regional Watch Parties across the state or tuned in virtually to “preview” the critical environmental legislative action upcoming in the 2024 General Assembly.
Existing and Proposed Data Centers – A Web Map
How many data centers currently exist in Virginia? How many proposals are in the works? These are very good questions. It’s also extremely difficult to provide an answer, given there is no publicly available dataset or state-level tracking of these facilities. In response, The Piedmont Environmental Council has pulled together an online web map showing existing data center facilities (that we are aware of), along with pending data center proposals we have found on various town and county websites, as well as through various news outlets.
Cville Area Land Use Update: Week Ahead for November 27, 2023
City Council to review potential zoning map changes at final work session on Development code
Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition to kick off with Dec. 1 press conference
Nonprofit organizations, homeowners’ groups, and residents from all over Virginia have joined forces to form a coalition that is calling for industry-wide data center reform.
2023 Highlights: A Holistic Approach to Conservation
PEC works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. The following highlights reflect our work in 2023.
Cville Area Land Use Update: Week Ahead for November 20, 2023
Albemarle ARB to review AC44 goals; Council to get briefing on transit budget