General Assembly

The Virginia General Assembly meets annually, beginning on the second Wednesday in January, for 60 days in even-numbered years and 30 days in odd-numbered years, with an option to extend annual sessions for a maximum of 30 days. Because the General Assembly moves very fast, PEC tracks a number of bills and provides comments throughout each session. Please sign up for our email alerts and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for the most recent updates.

Not sure who your state delegate and senator are? Visit Who’s My Legislator? to find out.

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Tracked Bills

Framework for Data Center Reform

More than 25 organizations across Virginia, including PEC, have formed the Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition to urge state lawmakers to study the cumulative effects of data center development across Virginia, and to institute several reforms for the industry. If the Virginia General Assembly fails to take action, unchecked data center expansion will have a disastrous impact on ratepayers, our communities and the environment.

Four pillars make up the framework of the Coalition’s advocacy for responsible action and robust reform. In 2025, several bills were introduced to the Virginia General Assembly thanks to direct legislative and community mobilization action from organizations like PEC and our partners. Read more about the Four Pillars and related data center legislation this General Assembly session in our post.

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Legislative Updates

Eyes on Richmond / Call to Support Farmland Protection

Eyes on Richmond / Call to Support Farmland Protection

The Piedmont Environmental Council is tracking a broad array of bills and budget amendments, as well as supporting legislative priorities of partners within the Virginia Conservation Network …
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Taking on State Law in Defense of Family Farms

It’s reasonable that Mike and Tina Roebuck want to hold on to the 112-acre Madison County farm that’s been in the Roebuck family for nearly 150 years. But a clause in a Virginia state law …
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2022-2024 Virginia Budget Priorities

The 2022-2024 biennium budget is an opportunity to make historic investments in the preservation and enjoyment of Virginia’s natural lands …
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HB 206 – Getting Solar Siting Right

HB 206 was a bipartisan bill to improve the utility-scale solar permitting process in Virginia …
take action: support HB206

Your Action Needed on a Few Good Bills

Three bills that need your advocacy this week, plus more to pay attention to as the General Assembly session continues …
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SB 255: A Sweetheart Deal for Big Telecom

If passed, Senate Bill 255 would effectively prevent localities from denying cell tower proposals under 150 feet in height, making it extremely difficult to protect important cultural, scenic and environmental resources …
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Eyes Turn Toward Richmond: What To Expect This Session

Beyond the biennial budget bill, where PEC plans to help lead the charge for increased and dedicated funding for natural resource preservation, there are a few key issue areas we’ll be watching closely over the …
2022 General Assembly Preview

2022 General Assembly Preview

The results of November’s general election means that Virginia will head into the 2022 General Assembly session with interesting challenges and opportunities across the levers of state government …