The State Corporation Commission required Dominion to supplement its Oct. 15, 2024, Integrated Resource Plan with modeling plans that meet the requirements of the Virginia Clean Economy Act and show scenarios without data center load. Dominion Energy has begrudgingly responded and the results are alarming, yet unsurprising.
Cindy Sabato
Community invited to judge PEC annual photo contest finalists
Finalists in The Piedmont Environmental Council’s 15th Annual Photo Contest were announced on Monday, Oct. 28. Community members are now invited to view the images and vote for their favorites through Sunday, Nov. 17. To view the images and vote, visit pecva.org/photovote.
Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative offers financial incentives for delayed haying and summer pasture stockpiling
Now through Nov 15, the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) is accepting applications from producers in 16 counties across the northern Virginia Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Shenandoah Valley, who are interested in financial incentives for protecting nesting grassland birds during the 2025 haying season.
The Next Chapter for Aldie Assemblage
The Piedmont Environmental Council this summer became the proud new owner of six acres in the Village of Aldie, known as the Aldie Assemblage.
PEC Accepting Annual Photo Contest Submissions Through Sept. 30
Now through Sept. 30, professional and amateur photographers alike are invited to submit their best images of the beautiful Virginia Piedmont in The Piedmont Environmental Council’s 15th Annual Photo Contest.
Aug. 6: free cookout, community dinner and workshop on funding sources and technical help for land conservation and land management practices
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 6–8 p.m., community members are invited to a free workshop to learn about funding sources and technical assistance available for land management practices and conservation options that benefit water quality, wildlife, working lands, and farmers. Though held in Fauquier County, this event is open to the public and includes information relevant to other counties in Virginia. All are welcome.
Inspiring Conservation
PEC’s annual meeting inspires many in Charlottesville.
Imperiled by Development, Wilderness Battlefield Named One of Nation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
Wilderness Battlefield, site of a pivotal clash that marked a turning point in the Civil War, was named one of the nation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places due to the threat of a massive data center development that would irrevocably destroy the historic landscapes fundamental to maintaining the area as a vital educational resource and treasured hallowed ground.
Introducing PEC’s New Board Chair and Leadership Team
Jean Perin and George Ohrstrom led The Piedmont Environmental Council, as board co-chairs, with great humility, care and passion for 10 years. In January, they turned the reins over to David Aldrich and a new board leadership team of Leslie Cockburn, Chris McLean and Margrete Stevens.
Long Acre Farm: A Creative Solution for a Farming Conundrum
In Greene County, young Dustin Watson works the 274-acre cattle farm co-owned by two elder family members.