One of the most difficult roles that PEC plays is as an organization that anticipates and plans for the future. Imaging scenarios — both positive and negative — is inherently subject to doubt and critique. PEC is unique in our nonpartisan, thoughtful and holistic approach to complex issues facing our communities. Bound only by our mission to protect and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont while building stronger, more sustainable communities, we are simultaneously idealistic and pragmatic.
Data centers
Data Center Reform Lobby Day
The Data Center Reform Coalition is excited to announce our 2026 Lobby Day slated for February 9, 2026. Together, we are urging state lawmakers to take action on the unchecked, exponential growth of data centers in Virginia.
Orange County Proposes New “Technology” Zoning District
The Orange County Planning Commission is poised to recommend a draft ordinance establishing a Technology zoning district intended to accommodate – and minimize the adverse impacts of – data centers. The county is considering many of the right questions; however, it must also consider some significant unintended consequences of a well-intentioned proposal.
Press Release: Piedmont Environmental Council Reacts to SCC Decisions in the Biennial Rate Case
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) just announced its decision in the historic rate-setting case for Dominion Energy. “While this decision recognizes that data center demand is driving future expenditures – and grants Dominion’s request for a new large load class — many issues remain unresolved,” said PEC President Chris Miller.
Additional Transmission Lines Proposed to Serve Data Centers
There is another opportunity right now to share your input on an important issue impacting our region. We hope you will take a few minutes before Monday, Dec. 8 to voice your concerns and opinions on proposals for yet more massive transmission lines to serve data centers.
Proposed Increase to Data Center Diesel Generator Use
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is currently accepting comments on a proposed change that would allow data centers to run backup diesel generators during planned outage events. Until now, these generators could only be used in the case of “sudden and reasonably unforeseeable events” or maintenance.
Three Things Everyone Needs to Know About Data Centers in Virginia, Right Now
Data centers and rising energy costs were a top issue for voters in the election. But who’s really in charge? And, who’s responsible for ensuring there’s a transparent, sustainable, achievable energy plan for our state?
Fauquier Fall Updates 2025
We’ll touch on VDOT’s proposed I-66 bridge expansion at historic and iconic Thoroughfare Gap, the transition point into the rural Piedmont, at the beloved Chapman-Beverley Mill. Then, very impactful to all of us, we’ll talk about various power infrastructure and data center projects across the county.
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 bills.
Loudoun County Fall Updates
Read on for Loudoun updates on data center, agrivoltaics, transportation, rural zoning, and water issues, as well as opportunities to weigh in on important issues impacting your community!