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!

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, 2023January 2, 2024 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.

Copper Ridge Goes to First Public Hearing

Posted on July 14, 2023January 2, 2024 by Sarah Parmelee

The Town Planning Commission will hear the data center campus proposal on Tuesday, July 18 at 6 p.m.

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.

Cost-Share Programs for Land Management

Posted on July 12, 2023August 24, 2023 by PEC

Learn about funding options for land management activities on your property.

Presentation: Data Center Energy Demand in Northern Virginia

Posted on July 7, 2023July 7, 2023 by Julie Bolthouse

PEC’s Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse presents on the impacts of data center growth on Virginia’s clean energy future.

Updates on the Copper Ridge Data Center Campus proposal

Posted on July 6, 2023June 12, 2024 by Sarah Parmelee

On Thursday, June 29, the Town Planning Commission held a nearly two-hour-long work session reviewing new documents from the Copper Ridge Data Center Campus and questioning the applicant.

Yet Another Data Center in Culpeper?

Posted on June 23, 2023January 2, 2024 by Sarah Parmelee

The Culpeper Town Planning Commission is holding a work session on the Copper Ridge application on June 29 at 9 a.m.

How Much Will It Cost?

Posted on June 22, 2023April 9, 2025 by PEC

View our 2023 Solarize Piedmont campaign pricing and learn more about configuration options.

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.