The Piedmont News is an email digest of top news stories about conservation, land use, energy, and environmental matters of interest to the region. We hope you’ll share The Piedmont News with someone else who cares about these stories.
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Culpeper Star-Exponent
(April 3, 2025)
"An Orange County circuit court judge has taken under advisement a motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the large mixed-use development, Wilderness Crossing, situated next to Civil War battlefield at the Wilderness."
This article mentions The Piedmont Environmental Council, a strong supporter of the lawsuit.
Fauquier Times
(April 2, 2025)
"On a fifth-generation family farm in Culpeper County, Eugene Triplett raises cows and grows vegetables — tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, onions, cucumbers, kale and collards — much as his father and grandfather did before him. But, like many small farmers across Virginia, his plans for this growing season have been upended by the sudden elimination of two federal programs that help provide locally grown foods to local schools and food banks."
The Appalachian Voice
(April 2, 2025)
"Before a solar developer came to town, Cody Moore was a heavy equipment diesel mechanic and hobby cattle farmer in Washington County, Tennessee. He enjoyed his job but had always hoped that if he could scratch out a living in full-time agriculture work, he would make a go of it. Today, the 27-year-old husband and father of two is a full-time farmer grazing sheep on more than 400 acres of land across five solar sites owned by Silicon Ranch Corporation, a solar developer that operates 25 similar projects across five different states."
This article quotes Piedmont Environmental Council Senior Energy & Climate Advisor Ashish Kapoor, and features the PEC agrivoltaics installation at the Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
(April 2, 2025)
"Dominion Energy is seeking rate increases that would boost a benchmark monthly bill by 13.9% next year. Its proposed increase in its base rate for 2026 – the first base rate increase since 1992 – would add $8.51 to a benchmark $140 monthly bill for 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. In addition, Dominion is asking the State Corporation Commission to approve an increase in charges for the fuel it uses, which would add an additional $10.92 to the monthly bill."
This article quotes Piedmont Environmental Council President Chris Miller.
Loudoun Now
(April 2, 2025)
"After efforts to establish Oak Hill, President James Monroe’s Loudoun home, as a state park were revived through a budget amendment by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, House delegates on Wednesday declined to take action on the proposal."
12 On Your Side
(April 1, 2025)
"For many, the story is similar: Inflation is taking a toll on everything, and your power bill is no different. 'What they are dealing with right now is over the cost of the winter; the demand from data centers drove energy prices through the roof, and they are passing on those costs,' said Christopher Miller, President of Piedmont Environmental Council."
This article and video features an interview with Piedmont Environmental Council President Chris Miller.
Northern Virginia Bird Alliance
(March 31, 2025)
"It’s that time of year again. The warblers will be migrating through our area from their winter habitats in the far south to reach their breeding grounds in North America, making spring an exciting time for birdwatchers. There are more than 50 species to see and hear at this time of year. Most migrants pass through, but the Prairie Warbler, Setophaga discolor, breeds in northern Virginia."
This article mentions the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative, a project of The Piedmont Environmental Council, Smithsonian's Virginia Working Landscapes, American Farmland Trust, and Quail Forever.
Virginia Tech News
(March 28, 2025)
"It’s the longest hiking-only path in the world. The iconic Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states and stretches approximately 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. Each year, at least 3 million people hike parts of it or the whole trail. March marks the month that thousands set out on the journey. But this historic trail is facing a modern challenge - the pervasive use of digital technology."
Information Charlottesville
(April 2, 2025)
“'This project will construct a new ten-foot-wide shared-use path along the east side of U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) between Route 854 (Carrsbrook Drive) and Seminole Lane in Albemarle County,' reads a section on VDOT’s website. 'The new shared-use path will tie in with an existing sidewalk located on the south side of the South Fork Rivanna River.'”
Information Charlottesville
(April 1, 2025)
"Last June, Albemarle County was successful in their application before the Albemarle Board of Supervisors to rezone a portion of the land for a future project called the Intelligence and National Security Innovation Acceleration Campus. The working project is called Rivanna Futures. Today Albemarle announced they have received funding to help pay for design of some of the infrastructure required."
The Daily Progress
(March 31, 2025)
"Senate Bill 1416, sponsored by state Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, makes killing or seriously injuring pedestrians who are in crosswalks or making any lawful road crossing a Class 1 misdemeanor."
Fauquier Now
(April 3, 2025)
"Marshall District Supervisor Regan Washer on Tuesday fielded questions about the Marshall collection site expansion project and responded to concerns about its potential impact on historic Schoolhouse 18."
Fauquier Times
(April 2, 2025)
"Since its construction in 1742, the Chapman-Beverley Mill has survived six armed conflicts, three fires, two Civil War battles, and one earthquake. Now, in its 283rd year, the mill faces a new threat that may prove its undoing: bureaucratic mismanagement. The Virginia Department of Transportation has proposed replacing the Interstate 66 bridge over Broad Run, which is less than 100 feet from the mill."
Rappahannock News
(March 31, 2025)
"Warrenton drivers should prepare for lane closures along southbound U.S. 17 Business (Broadview Avenue) as crews begin sidewalk and curb replacements through next month, according to a Virginia Department of Transportation news release."
Fauquier Now
(March 31, 2025)
"The Warrenton Commission on Open and Transparent Government, an advisory body tasked with improving transparency, accountability and public engagement in town governance, held its inaugural meeting Thursday evening."
Loudoun Times-Mirror
(April 2, 2025)
"After Virginia’s General Assembly met in a reconvened session on April 2, it did not take action to approve Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s most recent proposal to include Historic Oak Hill State Park near Aldie as part of the state’s budget amendments."
Loudoun Times-Mirror
(April 2, 2025)
"A request to amend a plan for the development of a data center, substation and offices at Quantum Park will receive further scrutiny by the Loudoun County Planning Commission, following a public hearing in late March."
Loudoun Now
(April 1, 2025)
"Fifty of Loudoun’s farmers gathered last week at Walsh Family Wine near Purcellville to talk about the state of the county’s agricultural industry highlighting its challenges and strengths."
Loudoun Now
(April 1, 2025)
"As work to connect waterlines to homes near Hidden Lane Landfill is set to begin, officials told community members last week that forever chemicals have been found in several of their wells."
Loudoun Now
(March 30, 2025)
"Drivers entering Round Hill are being encouraged to slow down with the installation of the town’s first driver-alert speed limit signs last week."
Loudoun Now
(March 29, 2025)
"Hundreds of Loudouners dispatched across the county Saturday to help stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species becoming more prevalent over the past few years."
Rappahannock News
(April 2, 2025)
"The Rappahannock Farmers’ Market, featuring local farmers and food producers, with an emphasis on food products, opens its season Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Sperryville Schoolhouse/Black Twig restaurant lawn, 12018 Lee Highway, Sperryville. The market runs every Saturday through Nov. 22."
Rappahannock News
(April 2, 2025)
"Twenty volunteers from the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP) and the community gathered at The Black Twig parking lot last Saturday morning for the Sperryville Trail’s biannual workday event, breaking off in three work groups."
Prince William Times
(April 3, 2025)
"The Prince William County Board of Supervisors approved a data center complex off Wellington Road in Manassas Tuesday that is larger than is allowed by county zoning rules and close to two residential subdivisions."
Fredericksburg Free Press
(April 2, 2025)
"Sunny days in Stafford will now be especially good for business after county supervisors approved a plan for another solar farm. After several minutes of fairly intense questioning, the supervisors voted 5-2 Tuesday night in favor of the proposed Enon Road Community Solar Preserve at the southeast corner of Enon and Truslow roads."
The Daily Progress
(April 2, 2025)
"Reopened sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Roanoke are lined by stumps and piles of tree limbs, evidence of crews’ work clearing the aftermath of two seasons of adverse weather from the scenic roadway."
Engage Louisa
(March 30, 2025)
"Dominion Energy and two contractors are facing a lawsuit over their handling of the design and construction of a troubled solar facility in central Louisa County."
Richmond Times-Dispatch
(April 3, 2025)
"The Hanover residents suing Wegmans and the county said they won’t appeal their case to the Virginia Supreme Court, ending the five-year legal battle."
Cardinal News
(April 2, 2025)
"Mountain Valley Pipeline and its opponents are facing off over the natural gas pipeline company’s plans to extend its footprint through southern Pittsylvania County into North Carolina."
Loudoun Times-Mirror
(April 2, 2025)
"After Virginia’s General Assembly met in a reconvened session on April 2, it did not take action to approve Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s most recent proposal to include Historic Oak Hill State Park near Aldie as part of the state’s budget amendments."
The Mecklenburg Sun
(April 2, 2025)
"The 7 Bridges Solar project moved one step closer to reality after the Mecklenburg County Planning Commission voted narrowly Thursday to recommend a special exception permit for developer Longroad Energy."
Virginia Mercury
(April 2, 2025)
"For months, Norfolk City Manager Pat Roberts has been warning that Norfolk needs state help funding its $2.66 billion storm risk plan or it will not move forward."
RTO Insider
(April 1, 2025)
"The Piedmont Environmental Council said that because the General Assembly failed to pass any meaningful reforms to how data centers are handled, the SCC’s review of Dominion’s rate case and its integrated resource plan are important to ensuring their growth is handled while keeping prices reasonable and environmental goals within reach. The group said it would work to ensure data centers pay their fair share."
This article quotes Piedmont Environmental Council President Chris Miller.
Virginia Mercury
(April 1, 2025)
"This year’s General Assembly session notably failed to produce legislation addressing the widening gap between electricity demand and supply in Virginia. Legislators shied away from measures that would address the growing demand from data centers, but they also couldn’t bring themselves to improve the supply picture by supporting landowners who want to host solar facilities. By the time the session ended, a mere handful of bills had passed that could improve our ability to meet demand."
Bay Journal
(April 1, 2025)
"Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin finished reviewing more than 900 bills, including the state budget, on March 24. The state General Assembly will reconvene on April 2 to examine his decisions."
Loudoun Now
(April 1, 2025)
"The average monthly bill for a typical residential customer at Dominion is $140. After the fuel rate increase on July 1, that is expected to increase to $150.92. After the base rate increase on Jan. 1, 2026, that will increase to $159.43 and after the base rate increase on Jan. 1, 2027, that is expected to increase to $161.43."
This article quotes Piedmont Environmental Council President Chris Miller.
ABC 8 News
(April 1, 2025)
"Virginia State Parks was found to be years behind on its annual inspections and delayed on over $360 million worth of maintenance projects, according to a state audit report released in late March."
Cardinal News
(March 31, 2025)
"Virginia faces a looming energy crisis over the next decade, with rising costs and an increasing inability to meet both consumer demand and climate goals. The primary culprit? A heavy reliance on imported energy combined with a surge in data center development, which places additional strain on the state’s power grid. To address this issue, state lawmakers have proposed energy permitting reforms, but the challenge lies in achieving consensus on the path forward."
Virginia Business
(March 31, 2025)
"Virginia faces a dilemma. Data center developers are clamoring to build in Virginia with the sort of zeal typically reserved for hipsters attempting to win admittance into secret speakeasies."
Radio IQ
(March 31, 2025)
"More than two dozen bills aiming to address Virginia's rapid data center expansion were submitted to the legislature earlier this year. Only one bill that aimed to improve planning for the projects survived. And, according to members of both parties, Governor Youngkin weakened it with an amendment that will be considered Wednesday."
The Daily Progress
(March 31, 2025)
"Senate Bill 1416, sponsored by state Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, makes killing or seriously injuring pedestrians who are in crosswalks or making any lawful road crossing a Class 1 misdemeanor."
Axios
(March 31, 2025)
"Some of Virginia's national parks that have seen layoffs amid the Trump administration's purge of federal employees are starting to cut hours, per an Axios review."
Virginia Mercury
(March 31, 2025)
"The National Park Service is asking members of the public to share their thoughts about a potential National Heritage Area designation in the region of the Great Dismal Swamp, a massive swath of ancient, forested wetlands stretching from Southeastern Virginia to the uppermost parts of North Carolina."
WAVY
(March 31, 2025)
"Virginia is reducing its carbon footprint one solar panel at a time. Now generating roughly 7 GW of solar power, it ranks No. 8 nationally among California and Texas, according to SEIA President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper."
Radio IQ
(March 28, 2025)
"The next time you see English Ivy for sale, it might also have a warning sign letting you know it’s an invasive plant. That's because Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a bill requiring warning signs for retailers who sell them."
The Guardian
(April 3, 2025)
"Oil and gas barons who donated millions of dollars to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign are on the cusp of cashing in on the administration’s support for energy-guzzling data centers – and a slew of unprecedented environmental rollbacks."
Floodlight
(April 1, 2025)
"President Donald Trump and his administration have called it the 'Great American Comeback.' But environmental advocates say the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s reversing course on enforcing air and water pollution laws is more of a throwback — one that will exacerbate health risks for children who live and study in the shadows of petrochemical facilities."
Inside Climate News
(April 1, 2025)
"Jimmy Stiles knows Conecuh National Forest. He lives in it. Stiles, a field biologist, has lived in his home in the northern section of the forest, which lines the Alabama-Florida border, for nearly 25 years. He said he’s loved every second of it. That’s why, Stiles said, he’s willing to fight for the forest."
NPR
(April 1, 2025)
"The marble office building near Capitol Hill is a world away from Tom Atkinson's home above the Arctic Circle in Alaska. The boss of an electric company in Kotzebue, Atkinson would rather be there, on the freezing edge of the Chukchi Sea. But he's in Washington, D.C., waiting for a meeting with Sen. Lisa Murkowski, the Alaska Republican, to plead for help."
Canary Media
(March 31, 2025)
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on March 25 it will release previously authorized grant funds to farmers and small rural business owners to build renewable energy projects — but only if they rewrite applications to comply with President Donald Trump’s energy priorities. The move has left some farmers perplexed — and doubtful that they’ll ever get the grant money they were promised, given the Trump administration’s emphasis on fossil fuels and hostility toward renewable energy."
Strong Towns
(March 31, 2025)
"In 2016, we updated the original Growth Ponzi Scheme article to explain how cities across North America were financially imploding—not because of a lack of growth, but because of growth itself. To experience growth, cities are encouraged to take on enormous long-term liabilities to fund short-term expansions. This fiscally unsustainable pattern eventually leads to insolvency."
NPR
(March 30, 2025)
"Tech companies are racing to build data centers to keep up - these huge buildings filled with hundreds of thousands of computers that require a lot of energy. By 2028, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory forecasts the data centers could consume as much as 12% of the nation's electricity. And AI is also leading a surge in water consumption."
The Washington Post
(April 2, 2025)
"San Giorgio is a 'spolia' church, in which many of the basic architectural elements were reused from older buildings. Spolia is Latin for spoils, familiar in English usage from the phrase 'spoils of war.' In architecture, it refers to the reuse of decorative and structural elements. The mismatched columns and other oddities throughout the nave of San Giorgio are signs of recycling."
