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.

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 …
Support Loudoun’s Agricultural Businesses! Weigh in on ABC Licensed Uses that Impact Farmers and Residents

Support Loudoun’s Agricultural Businesses! Weigh in on ABC Licensed Uses that Impact Farmers and Residents

June 18 meeting canceled – Loudoun County staff and Supervisors have been working hard since last November on the update to the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan for Western Loudoun. On date TBD and July 16 at …
U.S. Route 29 Slated to Become an “Innovation Corridor”

U.S. Route 29 Slated to Become an “Innovation Corridor”

This text was taken from an email alert sent out on May 15, 2025. Sign up for email alerts → U.S. Route 29 looking into Charlottesville. Photo by Hugh Kenny/PEC. Dear Supporter, U.S. Route 29 …
bikers on green bike path

Charlottesville Bike Month Starts May 1!

Happy Bike Month! May is packed with events, gatherings and group rides organized by Piedmont Mobility Alliance groups and partners …
Exploring New Public Parks in the Piedmont

Exploring New Public Parks in the Piedmont

Conserved public spaces have measurable impacts on our lives: research shows that spending time outdoors improves both physical and mental health, and can even improve students’ grades, lower blood pressure and drive economic growth. If …