The dust has finally settled in Richmond, and those of us who love the Piedmont have a lot to celebrate. With the 2026 General Assembly session (mostly) behind us, it’s clear that the collective voice of the Piedmont is being heard.
Solar
Media advisory: Virginia Gov. Spanberger to Sign Bill Defining Agrivoltaics
Gov. Spanberger is joining The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) for a ceremony celebrating the signing of a bill (SB 508/HB 340) that officially defines the term agrivoltaics and paves the way for well crafted, well sited dual-use solar installations across Virginia.
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.
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!
Solarize Virginia Webinar Series
Join Solarize Virginia for a free informative and practical webinar designed to help homeowners and businesses understand the solar landscape in 2026.
Solarize Virginia Webinar Series
Join Solarize Virginia for a free informative and practical webinar designed to help homeowners and businesses understand the solar landscape in 2026.
Solarize Virginia Webinar Series
Join Solarize Virginia for a free informative and practical webinar designed to help homeowners and businesses understand the solar landscape in 2026.
General Assembly Update — Spring 2026
Every day, Piedmont Environmental Council staff engage at the local, state and federal levels to shape public policy with an eye toward protecting and restoring the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont while building strong, more sustainable communities. The Virginia General Assembly serves as the main stage for these efforts.
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.