Strong Communities

A thoughtful approach to land use planning, paired with decision-making that balances growth and development with natural and cultural resource protection, is vital to maintaining a healthy and vibrant Piedmont region.

Albemarle Comprehensive Plan Adopted!

Albemarle Comprehensive Plan Adopted!

After four years, 40 PEC action alerts, and many changes to the timeline, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan update (AC44) Wednesday, Oct. 15!  …
Costumed bike rider(s) in the 2025 Halloween Bike Ride.

Halloween Costume Bike Promotes Safety on the Roads

Around 30 riders decorated their bikes, dressed up as extra-terrestrials, supernatural beings, cartoons and food items, and enjoyed a November evening of biking around Charlottesville …
A substation being built next to the WO&D Trail. Photo by Hugh Kenny

Op-Ed: Protect Virginians from paying billions for data center infrastructure

Billions of dollars of new power generation and transmission infrastructure is needed to meet data center demand. As of now, all of Virginia’s ratepayers are on the hook to pay for this through their electric …
Power and Produce: Virginia's First Crop-Based Agrivoltaics Project

Videos: Agrivoltaics Project at PEC’s Community Farm

Explore our video updates detailing the exciting progress of the Piedmont Environmental Council’s agrivoltaics project, where solar energy and sustainable agriculture meet …
Report Finds Solar Far Exceeds Value Communicated by Dominion

Report Finds Solar Far Exceeds Value Communicated by Dominion

PEC commissioned Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors to study and calculate the actual value of distributed solar generation in Dominion Energy’s territory …
A legacy of conservation and community at risk in Fauquier County

A legacy of conservation and community at risk in Fauquier County

From their storied pasts to the present day, the Fauquier County towns of Remington, Bealeton and the many unique crossroad communities in the surrounding region have been characterized by their rural charm. And for decades, …
PFAS-Contaminated Biosolids Proposed in Orange: Voices Needed by Aug. 4

PFAS-Contaminated Biosolids Proposed in Orange: Voices Needed by Aug. 4

America’s largest biosolids land-application company (Synagro) is seeking a permit to spread more PFAS-contaminated biosolids on farmland across Orange County, including fields adjacent to Pamunkey Creek, which already has elevated levels of PFAS contamination.  …
The SCC Must Protect Ratepayers From Big Tech’s Skyrocketing Energy Bill

The SCC Must Protect Ratepayers From Big Tech’s Skyrocketing Energy Bill

Weigh in! The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is hearing the 2025 biennial review of Dominion Energy’s rates, terms, and conditions for generation and transmission infrastructure. This rate case is the first opportunity to address the …
Take Action: Make Free Bridge Lane Permanently Car-free

Take Action: Make Free Bridge Lane Permanently Car-free

The Free Bridge Lane storywalk is just one of the quick improvements to pop up on Free Bridge Lane. You can share your ideas here. Photo by Peter Krebs/PEC. Sign the Petition Late last year, …
Three children run along a trail through the woods, their backs to the camera.

A Conversation on Trails and Connectivity

While conserving the verdant landscapes of Virginia’s Piedmont is foundational to The Piedmont Environmental Council’s mission, making the outdoors accessible to everyone has become an equally vital goal. Over the past few years, we have …