WARRENTON, VA (Feb. 16, 2026) – The Piedmont Environmental Council staff and board members are deeply saddened to learn of the passing from this life of Academy Award-winning actor, director, and long-time Fauquier County resident and environmental advocate Robert Duvall.

“Over the years, Mr. Duvall has been outspoken in his support of efforts to protect and conserve the natural resources and beauty of Fauquier County and the broader region. He often stated that ‘living in the Virginia Piedmont was the next stop before Heaven,’ said PEC President Chris Miller.

Duvall has also been a great supporter of PEC, even donating his star power to a PEC video promoting natural resource conservation in Virginia in fall 2017 and making tremendous effort to speak before the Warrenton Town Council at a data center town hall in 2023. He was awarded the Richmonds Medal by Scenic Virginia in 2018. Over the past 30 years, Duvall has leant his voice to numerous efforts to protect the Piedmont, including campaigns against transmission line proposals, Disney’s America and a Walmart development on Wilderness Battlefield in Orange County. In 2023, Duvall was recognized by the Virginia General Assembly for his contributions to the Commonwealth.

“We are deeply appreciative of Mr. Duvall’s support, generosity, and commitment to preserving the natural beauty and character of the Virginia Piedmont, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” Miller said.

#####

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) works to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.