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.
Kat Imhoff |
Cherry blossoms in Albemarle County |
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More Perfect Union
(March 27, 2025)
"But data centers put extraordinary demand on the power grid and require entirely new infrastructure. In the next three years, data center use of electricity is expected to double or even triple. We went to rural Georgia, the state with the fastest data center growth in the country, and spoke with residents who are living next to massive data centers owned by Meta and Blackstone and facing nonstop noise, pollution and rapidly rising electricity bills."
Loudoun Now
(March 27, 2025)
"The auditorium at the Middleburg Community Charter School was packed to capacity Wednesday night as area residents gathered to provide their input on the Rt. 50 Safety & Operational Study commissioned by the Board of Supervisors."
Richmond Times-Dispatch
(March 26, 2025)
"The fate of Oak Hill, the 18th-century Loudoun County estate where President James Monroe drafted his Monroe Doctrine, looks ominous when the General Assembly returns to Richmond next week to consider the amendments and vetoes that Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued this week by the hundreds."
Loudoun Now
(March 26, 2025)
"After Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced earlier this week that he would include support for the efforts to establish the Loudoun home of President James Monroe as a state park in his budget amendments, project leaders were cautiously optimistic as they waited to see what guidelines he would lay out to be followed."
WTOP News
(March 26, 2025)
"Spring has sprung, and as temperatures warm up, this is the time of year when we may see more baby deer, foxes, rabbits and birds moving about. But local animal control authorities are warning: Don’t touch them."
Bay Journal
(March 26, 2025)
"Ashley Ranalli’s favorite spot at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park was the cemetery. As a park ranger, she would dig through archives and learn about buried Union soldiers, like William Tinker, whose story she could share with visitors. But then she was laid off."
Fauquier Times
(March 26, 2025)
"Former park rangers who spoke with the Fauquier Times say that Shenandoah is nearing that breaking point as President Donald Trump’s administration is slashing the federal budget and workforce, causing multiple cuts at Virginia’s largest national park, including the dismissal of 15 full-time employees."
Bay Journal
(March 25, 2025)
"As the Trump administration continues slashing the federal budget, many conservation groups in the Chesapeake Bay region are finding themselves in the dark about whether funding they were promised is still available."
Bay Journal
(March 24, 2025)
"Some folks will say that you’re not likely to see a red-breasted nuthatch in the Chesapeake Bay watershed because it’s a denizen of the far north. Your own observations of the bird feeder might reinforce that notion, but it’s not exactly true."
C-VILLE Weekly
(March 28, 2025)
"Efforts to use some of the real estate above the now-closed Ivy Landfill have been underway since 2017, with multiple steps required to get what seems like a simple idea off the ground. Now the project, which will generate 3 megawatts, is moving closer to reality."
The Piedmont Journal Recorder
(March 26, 2025)
"The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking feedback on a transportation study assessing potential safety and multimodal improvements at the Ridge Street and U.S. 250 Business (West Main Street)/Water Street intersection in Charlottesville... This intersection is pivotal for accessing the Downtown Mall, a central commercial area in the city of Charlottesville. The intersection is also known for its confusing layout, which can be challenging for users of all modes to navigate."
Information Charlottesville
(March 23, 2025)
"Albemarle County had been awarded funding through the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government grant for a project called the Climate Resilience Cohort... The project was to last three years and organizations were asked to submit applications for funding. The Trump administration is seeking to eliminate the concept of “environmental justice” and is implementing other funding cuts based on ideology and a belief that the executive branch does not have checks and balances."
The Winchester Star
(March 21, 2025)
"The Clarke County Board of Supervisors wants to find out whether state funding for secondary road projects can be used to improve primary routes, particularly Va. 7 (Harry Byrd Highway)."
Culpeper Star-Exponent
(March 28, 2025)
"A major connector route along the soon-to-be developed Culpeper Technology Zone is getting ready to close to traffic for the rest of the year. McDevitt Drive, just east of Route 3, will close April 7 for reconstruction of the accident-prone intersection as a roundabout. Local traffic will access McDevitt Drive from Route 667 (Nalles Mill Road), according to a VDOT release. A signed detour route will be in place for local and thru traffic."
Culpeper Star-Exponent
(March 27, 2025)
"A proposal to amend the noise ordinance to specifically address data centers gained little traction during a recent meeting of the county rules committee."
Culpeper Star-Exponent
(March 27, 2025)
"Recently replaced with a brand-new sign, an aged highway marker designating an 1863 Civil War site in Brandy Station had itself become an artifact. Originally set in place along Brandy Road in 1927, 'The Opening of Gettysburg Campaign' marker was among the first group of silver and black placards erected across Virginia that year."
Culpeper Star-Exponent
(March 22, 2025)
"The Culpeper Town Planning Commission held the first of many public hearings regarding the draft Unified Development Ordinance on March 18. Several members of the Culpeper community gathered to speak at the public hearing, the majority of them expressing their concern and disapproval over the proposed zoning changes throughout the town."
Fauquier Now
(March 27, 2025)
"After nearly three decades of housing an ever-growing collection of African American history and stories that might have otherwise been lost, the brick museum nestled beside the train tracks just off Main Street in The Plains closed its doors Wednesday. The closure does not mark an end but a new beginning, however. The Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County is preparing for its next chapter in Warrenton, where it aims to expand its reach and continue preserving the history of Black residents in the county."
Fauquier Now
(March 27, 2025)
"Warrenton town staff hosted a public meeting Wednesday evening to present design options for the upcoming Main Street Improvement Project and gather feedback from attendees, primarily business owners who strongly voiced their support for designs that maximize sidewalk space in front of storefronts."
Fauquier Times
(March 25, 2025)
"An outbreak of avian influenza, which has led to the culling of more than 160 million birds since 2022 and accelerated in January with 19 million birds slaughtered, prompted a spike in the average cost of a dozen eggs – up more than double in the past year. But for residents of Fauquier County, where small-scale egg operations are part of the local culture, proximity to local farms and direct-to-consumer eggs may well offer a way to pay less."
Fauquier Now
(March 25, 2025)
"Fauquier County residents and those in surrounding areas are invited to attend a public hearing March 27 regarding a proposed unsignalized restricted crossing U-turn, or RCUT, at the intersection of U.S. 29 (James Madison Highway) and Route 651 (Lees Mill Road)."
Fauquier Now
(March 24, 2025)
"Fauquier County is shining a spotlight on its agricultural community this March, recognizing the role of local farmers, agribusiness professionals and agricultural traditions during Agriculture Appreciation Month."
Loudoun Now
(March 28, 2025)
"A decision on an application cited by some supervisors as one of the most difficult land use decisions they’ve had to make, was deferred by the Planning Commission this week after two motions failed due to a 4-4 split vote. The Hiddenwood Assemblage is made up of property owners along Hiddenwood Lane near Arcola. The group has been working to have their land collectively rezoned so they can sell their homes and move away from encroaching data center development. What was once a quiet, agricultural community is now a construction zone surrounded by data centers, they said."
This article quotes Piedmont Environmental Council Senior Land Use Field Representative Gem Bingol.
Loudoun Now
(March 27, 2025)
"Loudoun senators, Russet Perry (D-31) and Kannan Srinivisan (D-32), met with voters in Leesburg on Wednesday night to review actions during the General Assembly session to hear public input. Prominent topics throughout the town hall session included data center policies, efforts to make President James Monroe’s Loudoun County home a state park, and healthcare."
Loudoun Now
(March 26, 2025)
"After hearing two hours of public comments focusing on Dominion Energy’s proposed route alternatives for its Golden to Mars transmission line project, the School Board on Tuesday voted to oppose any option using overhead transmission lines."
Loudoun Now
(March 26, 2025)
"County leaders last week approved an application to build 723,779 square feet of data center uses along Loudoun County Parkway near Sterling."
Loudoun Now
(March 26, 2025)
"County leaders last week endorsed a proposal by Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) to include research into microgrids and other onsite power generation uses in its second phase of Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments to data center regulations."
The Washington Post
(March 25, 2025)
"An effort by Dominion Energy to cut down a four-mile swath of thousands of trees along a stretch of the historic Washington and Old Dominion Trail has alarmed Northern Virginia officials, who recently asked the energy company to pause the cuts and return to its usual practice of only pruning and removing trees that pose a clear risk to transmission lines that tower above."
Loudoun Now
(March 24, 2025)
"The Leesburg Planning Commission is recommending approval of the Greenway Manor rezoning to permit construction of 141,125 square feet of development across seven buildings on the South King Street campus."
Loudoun Now
(March 21, 2025)
"Gov. Glenn Youngkin passed though Loudoun County last week to tour Oak Hill, the historic home of President James Monroe near Aldie, as local leaders and The Conservation Fund attempt to turn the site into a state park."
The Rapidan Register
(March 26, 2025)
"A local homestead business is now able to expand after restrictions on its previous rezoning were removed. In 2023, Madison County Supervisors approved a request by Shenandoah Homestead Supply owner Josh Hege to rezone approximately 8.9 acres of a 13.3 acre parcel from R-1 residential to B-1 general business. The property, located on N. Seminole Trail in Brightwood, was to be used for a retail establishment for the mainly online business which offers stainless steel supplies for small dairies."
The Rapidan Register
(March 26, 2025)
"Since its closure in August of 2020, folks have talked about the nostalgic swinging bridge where children have played, runners have jogged and others have crossed to access their homes during times of high water. There have been conversations about how to save it, what it would cost and who would be responsible for it."
The Piedmont Journal Recorder
(March 27, 2025)
"The Orange County Board of Supervisors and Planning Committee held their first joint work session Tuesday to discuss future land use and future changes to the county’s Zoning Ordinance."
Byrd Street
(March 25, 2025)
"The fate of the proposed 2,600-acre Wilderness Crossing development in eastern Orange County remains up in the air. On Friday afternoon (March 21), after a four-hour hearing in Orange County Circuit Court, Judge David B. Franzén said he needed more time before he could decide whether to dismiss a lawsuit brought against the Board of Supervisors and Orange County by American Battlefield Trust and other plaintiffs in the case. He said he will issue a written opinion when he’s reached his decision."
This article mentions The Piedmont Environmental Council, a strong supporter of the lawsuit.
The Piedmont Journal Recorder
(March 21, 2025)
"Louisa County developer has reached out to Rapidan Service Authority requesting sewer taps and service for approximately 125 planned homes near the town of Gordonsville, RSA board of members learned Thursday."
Rappahannock News
(March 26, 2025)
"Rappahannock County Elementary School (RCES) celebrated the 15th annual Agriculture Literacy Week, recognized March 17-21, with a special visit from local farmers and Delegate Michael Webert. Students enjoyed listening to guests from the agricultural community as they read aloud 'Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm' by Lindsay H. Metcalf. The students learned how food is grown and had the opportunity to ask the guests questions."
The Washington Post
(March 25, 2025)
"An effort by Dominion Energy to cut down a four-mile swath of thousands of trees along a stretch of the historic Washington and Old Dominion Trail has alarmed Northern Virginia officials, who recently asked the energy company to pause the cuts and return to its usual practice of only pruning and removing trees that pose a clear risk to transmission lines that tower above."
The Northern Virginia Daily
(March 25, 2025)
"A Virginia Department of Transportation study has confirmed that it is physically possible to build a recreational trail alongside the Shenandoah Valley’s dormant rail corridor — but also outlines significant engineering and cost challenges, particularly for the more complex rail-with-trail option."
Fredericksburg Free Press
(March 27, 2025)
"Spotsylvania County officials spent years preparing for data center development before approving millions of square feet of the facilities that serve as the heart of the internet. But county leaders continue a struggle to develop data center project standards and requirements without losing the lucrative industry’s interest in Spotsylvania."
Fredericksburg Free Press
(March 26, 2025)
"A tied vote was a win for the data center industry in Spotsylvania County. After a public hearing Tuesday night, the Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors deadlocked 3-3 on requiring a special use permit for data centers in the Industrial, Commerical, Office and Village zones."
Bay Journal
(March 26, 2025)
"Ashley Ranalli’s favorite spot at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park was the cemetery. As a park ranger, she would dig through archives and learn about buried Union soldiers, like William Tinker, whose story she could share with visitors. But then she was laid off."
Bay Journal
(March 25, 2025)
"As the Trump administration continues slashing the federal budget, many conservation groups in the Chesapeake Bay region are finding themselves in the dark about whether funding they were promised is still available."
The Piedmont Journal Recorder
(March 21, 2025)
"Louisa County developer has reached out to Rapidan Service Authority requesting sewer taps and service for approximately 125 planned homes near the town of Gordonsville, RSA board of members learned Thursday."
ABC 13 News
(March 27, 2025)
"The Danville City Council has approved plans for a new battery storage facility aimed at stabilizing utility rates and saving residents money on their electric bills. The facility will store energy throughout the year and release it back into the power grid during periods of extreme temperatures, such as hot summer days or cold winter nights."
ABC 8 News
(March 27, 2025)
"The clay has turned the Lake Shawnee water and its connecting lakes murky and muddy, leaving neighbors concerned for wildlife and themselves. Powhatan resident Michael Pease made it his mission to find where the clay was coming from, documenting on video when he discovered the clay and rainwater mix was flowing a quarter mile from a Dominion solar farm construction site on Anderson Highway, into a stream connected to Lake Shawnee."
Inside Climate News
(March 26, 2025)
"Last month, a couple of weeks before the end of the regular legislative session, Virginia lawmakers killed a bill to reform the state’s process approving utility-scale solar projects despite achieving some rare support from both the environmental and agricultural communities. Continued concern from localities over a loss of control won out."
Kingsport Times-News
(March 25, 2025)
"Appalachian Power Virginia customers could see less swing to their electric bills starting in July, after Governor Glenn Youngkin signed legislation Monday to put the utility under closer state scrutiny."
Cardinal News
(March 25, 2025)
"Here’s an update on some of the bills we’ve been following. Those that were signed by the governor will generally become law July 1. The legislature returns April 2 to deal with vetoes and proposed amendments. For a full list of bills, see the General Assembly website."
Cardinal News
(March 25, 2025)
"We recently ran an opinion piece by David Wiley of Roanoke, in which he touted the advantages of the solar panels on his home, which, besides lowering his electric bill, also allows him to charge his electric car. That prompted us to ask readers for their experience with either solar panels or electric vehicles. Here’s what some had to say about solar."
WHRO
(March 24, 2025)
"The Great Dismal Swamp has long been a subject of local and national fascination. The sprawling ecosystem not only provides critical wildlife habitat but also contains thousands of years of history. The National Park Service is now studying how the swamp could potentially serve as the epicenter for a National Heritage Area."
Cardinal News
(March 24, 2025)
"This past General Assembly session, the legislature passed House Bill 2346 which would establish a pilot program to create a statewide Virtual Power Plant (VPP) — in summary, it is a voluntary network of small, decentralized energy sources like home solar panels with battery storage — that can work together to supply electricity to the grid when demand is high. VPPs don’t just serve as a backup in emergencies — they actively reduce strain on the grid every day by supplying extra power when demand is high. That means fewer blackouts, lower costs and a more reliable energy supply for all Virginians."
Fauquier Times
(March 24, 2025)
"Hunt for Bigfoot or fossil shells, stargaze or take a stroll through wildflowers, take part in “forest therapy” or try your hand at archery. These are just some of the dozens of programs visitors to Virginia State Parks can expect this year."
ABC 8 News
(March 19, 2025)
" A zoning application has recently been submitted as Charles City County prepares for the development of a new data center. Plans are in the early stages for an extension of Roxbury Development Center in the form of Roxbury Technology Park — a new data center campus courtesy of Diode Ventures. The site is currently made up of 515 acres of five forested properties, according to Diode’s website."
The Washington Post
(March 28, 2025)
"Once considered on its way out, coal is increasingly seen as a necessary part of the energy mix, with the tech sector demanding ever more energy for data centers to power AI and grid operators seeking backup power in the event of extreme weather."
Forbes
(March 26, 2025)
"For decades, U.S. electricity demand grew at a predictable, modest pace. Utilities could plan around gradual increases driven by population growth and economic activity. But that era is over. A dramatic shift is underway, one that could define the next decade of energy infrastructure—and investment opportunity. At the heart of this transformation lies the exponential growth of artificial intelligence and its insatiable appetite for electricity."
Fauquier Times
(March 26, 2025)
"Former park rangers who spoke with the Fauquier Times say that Shenandoah is nearing that breaking point as President Donald Trump’s administration is slashing the federal budget and workforce, causing multiple cuts at Virginia’s largest national park, including the dismissal of 15 full-time employees."
The New York Times
(March 25, 2025)
"The aim was to protect motorists and wildlife along an especially grisly stretch of highway. Now, it was time to see whether the investment would pay off. Aran Johnson, a wildlife biologist for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in the southwestern part of the state, walked up a bank to a newly constructed overpass crossing Route 160."
Broadband Breakfast
(March 24, 2025)
"Industry leaders acknowledged a growing challenge in balancing surging power demands with environmental sustainability goals during a panel discussion at the MetroConnect conference here on Feb. 25."
Tech Policy Press
(March 24, 2025)
"The first time Oregon state representative Pam Marsh tried to tighten the leash on the data center industry, she learned the hard way that its biggest players know how to put up a fight."
Canary Media
(March 21, 2025)
"Repealing federal incentives that encourage clean energy deployment would actually cause power bills to rise, multiple studies show."
The New York Times
(March 17, 2025)
"As President Trump works to blunt the growth of wind and solar power and expand fossil fuel production in the United States, the renewable energy industry is making a new pitch: You need us. Wind and solar developers are increasingly pointing out that America’s demand for electricity is soaring, driven by a boom in data centers, and it’s proving difficult to build enough new gas plants to supply all the extra power that the nation needs."
AP News
(March 27, 2025)
"Their paper, published Thursday in the journal Science, finds that global warming has notably reduced the amount of water that’s being stored around the world in soil, lakes, rivers, snow and other places, with potentially irreversible impacts on agriculture and sea level rise. The researchers say the significant shift of water from land to the ocean is particularly worrisome for farming, and hope their work will strengthen efforts to reduce water overuse."
The New York Times
(March 20, 2025)
"A new analysis shared with The New York Times shows how countries around the world are rapidly adding solar and wind capacity, now cheaper and more reliable than ever. To track these changes, researchers created Global Renewables Watch, which maps all onshore wind and every large-scale solar farm in the world by using artificial intelligence and detailed satellite imagery to create a 'living atlas.'"
