Energy Matters

PEC is working to support an energy 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.

We are advocating for a more distributed system that is less reliant on distant generating sources and incorporates a mix of local renewable power — customer owned, community based and utility scale. Recognizing Virginia is in the early stages of its energy transition, we believe now is the time to reimagine and rebuild our energy system in a way that is just and fair to all residents and ratepayers.

No posts found.
Spring Orange County Updates

Spring Orange County Updates

The Piedmont Environmental Council’s updates on the Valley Link transmission line, the Town of Orange’s data center changes, data center lawsuit updates, and an April 10 conservation event. Get updates at pecva.org/signup …
Join Us for a Q&A on Our New Vantage Data Center Air Quality Study

Join Us for a Q&A on Our New Vantage Data Center Air Quality Study

I’m writing to share a data center air quality study we recently commissioned that showed some alarming results, and to invite you to an event in Loudoun on Thursday, April 9 to learn more about …
PEC statement on Prince William Digital Gateway latest legal win

PEC statement on Prince William Digital Gateway latest legal win

The recent ruling by the Virginia Court of Appeals against the Prince William Digital Gateway, in favor of the citizen-backed lawsuits attempting to block it, is another example of the growing grassroots power of Virginians …
Protest against data center tax breaks

It’s Time to End Data Centers’ Massive Tax Break

Take Action: Tell your Legislators and the Governor to End the Data Center Tax Subsidy by April 23, 2026 …
aerial view of a huge boxy building next to a 6 lane road

Letter to the General Assembly: Data Centers Need to Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes

PEC sent a letter to members of the General Assembly about our support of efforts to eliminate or substantially limit the sales tax credit on data center equipment …
Culpeper Update: More Power Infrastructure Headed Our Way

Culpeper Update: More Power Infrastructure Headed Our Way

As this year’s legislative session winds down, I want to take the opportunity to let you know about a few important developments in Culpeper County and encourage you to attend/weigh in and keep on the …
Update: Rappahannock County Planning Commission Recommends Adoption of New Regulations for Electrical Substations

Update: Rappahannock County Planning Commission Recommends Adoption of New Regulations for Electrical Substations

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Rappahannock County Planning Commission unanimously approved the proposed update of the county code of ordinances to require a special exception for new or expanded electrical substations …
Data Centers in the Town of Orange? Protecting Our Small-Town Character

Data Centers in the Town of Orange? Protecting Our Small-Town Character

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is working closely with residents and town officials to ensure that future development complements, not destroys, the unique character of Orange …
An Electric Super-Highway Through the Piedmont

An Electric Super-Highway Through the Piedmont

Joining the list of new energy and infrastructure proposals across the state to serve sky-rocketing data center demand is a proposal to build the largest transmission line ever seen in Dominion Energy’s territory. Dubbed “Joshua Falls-Yeat,” the 115-mile, …
Help Get Data Center Reform Legislation Over the Finish Line!

Help Get Data Center Reform Legislation Over the Finish Line!

Take Action: SB619 and SB339 passed the Senate, and we expect the House will start voting on these bills as early as this Tuesday, Feb. 24 …