PEC’s take on the intersection between affordable housing and land conservation.
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!
Copper Ridge Data Center Campus Heads to Town Council
On Tuesday, Aug. 15, the Planning Commission vote on Copper Ridge was tied 2-2, with one of the commissioners having recused himself. The data center campus rezoning now heads to the Town Council on Sept. 12 without a recommendation either way, and we are writing to ask you to weigh in with the Town Council before it votes.
Expanding Access to Community Solar
Community solar is an affordable renewable energy option for residents who cannot secure rooftop solar due to logistical constraints.
Powering Progress Through Rooftop Solar
Distributed rooftop solar has many benefits as we build out the clean energy needed to reach the 100% zero-carbon-emissions standard laid out in Virginia’s Clean Economy Act (VCEA).
Deploying Utility-Scale Solar Responsibly
Utility-scale solar facilities are a key component of Virginia’s transition to a clean energy future. However, the Commonwealth must ensure that impacts on Virginia’s farms, forests, and streams are minimized.
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.
Connecting Wildlife Habitats
Wildlife must be able to move through our landscapes to acquire resources, find genetically diverse mates, and adapt to a changing climate. Roads, development, and other infrastructure can impede wildlife movement and create dangerous scenarios on our roadways for both wildlife and people.
Albemarle seeking input on cell tower changes
Albemarle County is considering changes to its regulations for wireless infrastructure. The County has launched an online survey, where you can submit feedback about the quality of your cell service and how you think towers should be incorporated into Albemarle’s landscape.
Working With Farmers to Protect Our Waterways
Agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry by many metrics. It also represents the largest source of nutrient and sediment pollution reaching Virginia’s local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. Fortunately, addressing these pollution loads offers an opportunity to improve the Commonwealth’s natural resources while also enhancing working farms and forests.
Why I Got Solar for My Home
Creating your own energy on-site and using it, learning more about how electricity works and inspiring your neighbors makes the journey engaging and communal.