Virginia has one last chance this year to pump the brakes on an unprecedented data center expansion that is overwhelming the state’s electric grid — and its communities.
Dominion
The General Assembly Must Prioritize People Over Data Centers
PEC is calling on legislators to go further and use the budget to pause the sales tax exemption and pause approvals of new data center projects so Virginia can actually plan for the impacts of the 51GW’s of data center demand that’s already been approved.
A Big Win for Net Metering in Virginia + Free Assessments During Solarize Piedmont
We’re excited to share a major win for clean energy and energy independence in Virginia. The State Corporation Commission (SCC) ruled that net metering, which is an essential part of rooftop solar, will remain unchanged!
SCC Decision Keeps Net Metering Structure Unchanged
Dominion petitioned the SCC last year to decrease the rate of return for energy produced by solar customers in excess of what they use. After reviewing the case, the SCC issued a decision earlier this month, concluding that the net metering structure should remain unchanged.
Press Conference to Spotlight Threats Posed by Proposed 115-Mile Valley Link Transmission Line Across Virginia
The press conference will reveal an important announcement that will highlight the concerning impacts of Valley Link’s proposed Joshua Falls-Yeat 765 kilovolt transmission line project, which would traverse nine Virginia counties.
Meaningful clean energy legislation passed in 2026
We are pleased to share the great news that 12 solution-oriented energy bills PEC either authored, informed, or advocated for in the General Assembly were signed into law (pending two minor amendments) by Gov. Spanberger!
The Piedmont Environmental Council Celebrates New Legislation Supporting Sustainable Energy
The Piedmont Environmental Council is delighted to announce that 12 solution-oriented energy bills that PEC either authored, informed, and advocated for have been adopted into Virginia law.
On the Ground Updates – April 2026
A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.
Press Release: General Assembly Budget Conferees Need to Invest in Quality of Life, Not Big Tech
The Piedmont Environmental Council supports eliminating, or substantially limiting the sales tax credit on data center equipment, to increase revenues available to make life more affordable for Virginia’s families.
Letter to the General Assembly: Data Centers Need to Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes
PEC sent a letter to members of the General Assembly about our support of efforts to eliminate or substantially limit the sales tax credit on data center equipment.