Data centers

Golden to Mars Project Timeline

Posted on September 10, 2025September 10, 2025 by PEC

Dominion Energy plans to build 8.4 miles of new transmission infrastructure in the Ashburn and Dulles area to carry 500 kV and 230 kV powerlines to Data Center Alley.

The proposed Golden to Mars transmission line (red) is part of a three-segment loop proposed by Dominion to move more power to data centers.

Known as the Golden to Mars line, it is the last segment of a three-part loop to serve Data Center Alley, which connects with the Aspen to Golden line (under litigation) and the Wishing Star to Mars line. It also includes two offshoot 230 kV loops (Lockridge and Sojourner).

SCC Talking Points: Golden to Mars Tranmission Line

Posted on September 10, 2025September 10, 2025 by PEC

In order to have the most impact, it is important to tailor your comments to the SCC’s priorities and objectives, as their decision-making is guided by strict standards. PEC has put together the following talking points to help you craft your comment.

Gigaland Application Withdrawn: Our Community’s Voice Was Heard!

Posted on August 29, 2025August 29, 2025 by Evelyn Eichorn

In a victory and a testament to the power of civic engagment, the developers for the proposed Gigaland data center project in Remington have officially withdrawn their application. However, the developers have stated their intention to submit a new, revised application as soon as January.

Piedmont Environmental Council Launches Virginians for a Smarter Digital Future

Posted on August 18, 2025August 18, 2025 by Cindy Sabato

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) announced the launch of “Virginians for a Smarter Digital Future,” a statewide campaign designed to raise awareness of the impacts of data centers for all Virginia residents — and provide the tools they need to advocate for themselves, as well as their families, businesses and communities.

Albemarle Data Center Community Meeting

Join us for a community meeting Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 6-8 p.m. to hear from Julie Bolthouse, PEC’s Director of Land Use and one of the leaders of the Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition, about data centers’ environmental impacts and how advocating for regulations at the state and local level and transparency can achieve better outcomes for communities.

Facts About the Gigaland Data Center Project

Posted on August 12, 2025August 15, 2025 by PEC

A massive data center complex known as Gigaland is being proposed in Remington, Fauquier County VA. The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) opposes the outsized development, which we believe will overwhelm the town and open the door for more data centers and transmission lines, straining electricity and water supplies in Fauquier and contributing to unhealthy air, noise and water pollution.

Support More Data Center Regulation in Culpeper County!

Posted on August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 by Sarah Parmelee

On Wednesday, Aug. 13, the Culpeper County Planning Commission will vote on a zoning text amendment that would require a conditional use permit for data centers in Culpeper, a much-needed change.

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

Posted on August 4, 2025August 8, 2025 by Chris Miller

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 electricity rate structure for the largest concentration of data centers in the world.

Loudoun Updates – Summer 2025

Posted on July 31, 2025October 21, 2025 by Gem Bingol

Not only have the months been warmer in Loudoun, but many issues are heating up, too. We have been tracking them all to understand and share the community impacts along with opportunities to speak up.

PEC Presentation on Data Centers

RLEP invites you to hear from PEC President Chris Miller about the explosive data center boom in Northern Virginia and its potentially significant impact on Rappahannock County.