Read On the Ground updates for Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties.
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!
Email Alert: Spectra Gas Pipeline Suspended
In early August, Spectra Energy announced it is "suspending its development work on the proposed [project]… We will continue to evaluate opportunities in the region which could include the study corridor in your area, and should there be developments, we will keep you informed."
County Rewriting Telecommunication Plan
Piedmont Environmental Council has concern about some of the changes being proposed in Fauquier County's rewrite of the Plan for Commercial Wireless Facilities. This section of the County Comprehensive plan sets the policies and goals regarding how telecommunications facilities should be integrated into the landscape. Our two major concerns are about the vague language proposed and the fact that a new telecommunication zoning ordinance is being proposed at the same time.
This is Big!
The opening of the Silver Line on Saturday is a major event that is an important step towards a better future for the Washington metropolitan region and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Additional Links re the Gas Pipeline
At several of PEC's public meetings we have been asked to post links to websites that might help landowners and other interested people learn more about interstate gas pipelines. Here are some of the links that have been shared with us:
Rappahannock County Passes Resolution Opposing Spectra Alignment
A resolution titled "Rappahannock County Opposition To The Construction of An Underground Natural Gas Transmission LIne within Its Jurisdiction," was passed by the Rappahannock Board of Supervisors on July 7, 2014. The resolution urges Duke Energy to select another proposed corridor for its energy needs.
Western Bypass Shelved
Big things are happening, or rather not happening, with the costly Western Bypass of U.S. Route 29 just north of Charlottesville. We’re enthusiastic to report that the ineffective project has come to a halt, and we’re hoping this time it will be a permanent road block. With the Bypass off the table, we can finally get to work on fixing Route 29 for the majority of its travelers.
The Great Homecoming: An Open House at the McAllister Cabin
Despite some rainy weather, nearly 250 people visited the McAllister Home as part of an event that celebrated Albemarle’s Mountain Heritage. Bob and Carroll Gilges, who own the building and surrounding land, graciously opened their property to the community for the event. PEC sponsored and organized the celebration with help from Doug Decker, Phil James, and Larry and Debbie Lamb, who had family connections to Sugar Hollow and throughout Albemarle County.
Proposed Natural Gas Line
This May we received word that landowners had begun receiving notices from Spectra Energy, referencing a proposal for a new natural gas pipeline through Virginia.
Making Progress at the Piedmont Overlook
It’s been busy at the Overlook these past few months! PEC is in the final year of a cost-share agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to improve the property’s habitat and increase its biodiversity. The marquee part of this grant is the creation of a 17-acre native grass and wildflower meadow on land that was formerly a pasture dominated by tall fescue.