The Bi-County Parkway project, a key component of the Outer Beltway scheme, is on hold… for now.
Bri West
Bri West is the director of outreach and communications for The Piedmont Environmental Council.
On the Ground
Read On the Ground updates for Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties.
Coal-By-Wire Transmission Line: DEFEATED
For six years, the Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH)—a massive, unnecessary 765-kV transmission line— has threatened Virginia. The line was to start in southwest West Virginia, travel northeast through previously undisturbed land, eventually cross through Virginia’s northern Piedmont, and wind up near Frederick, Maryland. PEC and our allies have been fighting this wasteful project for years, and we have some good news: The PATH transmission line project is officially dead. On August 24th, the Board of PJM, our regional grid operators, voted to cancel the project.
Painters of the Piedmont: PEC’s 40th Anniversary Art Show
The Piedmont Environmental Council is proud to bring together eleven of the leading artists working in the Virginia Piedmont region. The thirty works of art chosen for exhibition will highlight a cross section of artists who by their creativity and ability make us all aware of the abundant resources of the region. These artists work in various mediums and approach their art in different ways, but all share a sense of place that is the Virginia Piedmont.
Video Shows the Real Solutions to Traffic Problems on Rt. 29
Nobody doubts the need to fix traffic problems on Route 29. But the proposed $250 million Western Bypass is not the answer—nor is it a done deal. View this video produced by The Southern Environmental Law Center to learn about more cost-effective alternatives that would provide greater benefits to the Charlottesville-Albemarle community.
Presentation from Summer 2014 Community Meetings
The following presentation was given at a July 2014 community meeting sponsored by PEC, on the subject of natural gas pipeline proposals in Virginia.
Future Of The Silver Line
Extending rail service to Loudoun County is about more than transportation. WAMU host Kojo Nnamdi explores the political and societal aspects of the Silver Line (with commentary by PEC President, Chris Miller).
Better Habitat: Water, Woods and Beyond
Learn about Wildlife Habitat in the Virginia Piedmont — what it is, why we care, what a landowner can do to improve it. The following PowerPoint presentations were given to members of the Orange County Hunt in March, 2012.
PEC Testifies to Congress on Transmission Policy
PEC President Chris Miller was one of twelve experts from across the country summoned to testify before a House of Representatives subcommittee at a June 12 hearing entitled “The Future of the Grid: Proposals for Reforming National Transmission Policy.”
Background on the TrAIL Line
The 500-kV transmission line proposed by Dominion Virginia Power and Allegheny Power (through their subsidiary TrAILCo) would begin in Western Pennsylvania, cross through West Virginia, and end in Loudoun County, Virginia. In Virginia it would pass through the Meadow Brook Substation in Frederick County on its way to the Arcola Substation in Loudoun County.