Since Virginia is still at the beginning of its energy transition, now is the perfect time to rebuild our energy system in a way that is just and fair to all Virginia residents and ratepayers. Toward that end, PEC has taken the lead in aggressively exploring the viability of parking lot solar in Virginia.
Regional, State and National
PEC joins with partner organizations to promote thriving communities and healthy natural resources in the Shenandoah Valley, the central Piedmont, the Journey Through Hallowed Ground corridor and Northern Virginia counties.
Action Needed: New transmission line designation threatens Virginia communities
Tell the U.S. Department of Energy that fueling skyrocketing data center energy demand with coal-fired power plants is not an acceptable solution.
Thinking about Solar for Your Home?
By investing in rooftop solar for your home, you can save money, protect yourself from rising utility rates and, when paired with a backup battery, create “off the grid” energy independence
Solar for Rural Businesses Workshop Resources – May 7, 2024
On May 7, 2024, PEC hosted a workshop called “Solar for Rural Businesses: Accessing Funding for Small-Scale Solar” in Albemarle County.
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.
Tell Congress: Support the Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act
The human and environmental costs of the data center industry are only predicted to worsen with the rise of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence applications. That’s why we’re supporting a new congressional bill, the Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2024.
A Mixed Bag at the General Assembly
This has been a very busy, and challenging, legislative session.
6,315 acres conserved in nine-county region last year
The Piedmont Environmental Council reports that in 2023, 6,315 acres of land in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties were permanently protected with 52 new conservation easements.
Bills and Budget Amendments Post-Crossover
Now at crossover, some notable progress has been made on a few key priorities of the environmental community.
Data Center Legislation in the 2024 Virginia General Assembly
Numerous pieces of legislation related to data center reform were introduced as part of the 2024 Virginia General Assembly Session. Unfortunately, the majority of the bills were defeated or carried over to the 2025 Virginia General Assembly Session.