Energy Matters

We are working to shape and advance Virginia’s clean energy future. We advocate for a system that is smarter, more efficient and better accounts for the negative externalities arising from the choices we make about energy consumption, generation, transmission and distribution.


aerial view of a few huge data center buildings between a set of apartments and public trail

Questions Swirl Around Data Centers – How Many, Where and at What Cost?

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Although DEQ's proposed variance for data center diesel generator has been pulled, the underlying issue remains: Is this continued boom in data center development sustainable? ...
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Piedmont Environmental Council Statement on Department of Environmental Quality Variance Withdrawal

Piedmont Environmental Council Statement on Department of Environmental Quality Variance Withdrawal

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The Virginia Department of Environmental Equality’s withdrawal of its proposed variance that would have allowed data centers to circumvent Virginia’s air pollution control regulations limiting the use of heavily polluting, industrial sized, emergency diesel generators is a step in the ...
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data center presentation title slide

PEC Presentation on Data Centers & Potential Reliance on Backup Diesel Generators

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On March 28, 2023, The Piedmont Environmental Council hosted a local information session in Loudoun County about a variance being proposed by The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to allow Loudoun data centers to use their backup diesel generators more ...
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More Data Center News in Warrenton

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Much has happened in the weeks since the 4-3 Warrenton Town Council vote to approve the Amazon Data Center Special Use Permit (SUP). I want to give you an update on potential permit violations on the property and share concerns ...
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Update on DEQ’s air quality variance for data centers

Update on DEQ’s air quality variance for data centers

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The variance would allow backup diesel generators to run more frequently this coming summer ...
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