This guidebook is intended for local government staff, community stakeholders, and residents interested in revitalizing downtown main streets, making neighborhood streets safer, and connecting parks, civic and natural amenities with trails.
Planning and Zoning
PEC believes in smart growth planning and decision-making that enhances communities, reduces vehicle miles traveled, and protects natural, cultural and historic resources.
![Data Centers, Surging Power Demand Take Center Stage](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/data_center_loudoun_county_august_2023_credit_hugh_kenny_PEC-29-1000x-jpg.webp)
Data Centers, Surging Power Demand Take Center Stage
The size, scale, and speed at which applications for data center projects are coming in and being approved is astounding.
Just this month, massive proposals moved forward in Culpeper, Louisa, and King George counties, with more being reviewed in Caroline and Stafford counties. Prince William, Loudoun, Fairfax, and Fauquier counties all have multiple active proposals for hyperscale data centers, which can demand hundreds of megawatts of power per campus. As an example, the data center campus just approved in King George County could total more than 1,200 MW alone.
![On The Ground Updates – September 2023](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/charlottesville_downtown_albemarle_drone_sunset_8.1.22_credit_hugh_kenny_pec_1_1200x-1024x536.webp)
On The Ground Updates – September 2023
A series of short updates from around the PEC region.
![The Environmental Footprint of the Digital Age](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/1200px_data_center_asburn_loudoun_wod_trail_drone_4-10-23_credit_hugh_kenny_pec-33-1024x683.webp)
The Environmental Footprint of the Digital Age
Virginia is subsidizing billions of dollars in data center development on the backs of its ratepayers, without a full understanding of the long-term ramifications.
Cville Area Land Use Update: Week of September 25, 2023
Charlottesville City Council to begin their review of new zoning code; Water and sewer projects status before Greene Supervisors
![One Approved, Another on the Horizon](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/data_center_asburn_loudoun_wod_trail_drone_4-10-23_credit_hugh_kenny_pec_31_1200x-1024x536.webp)
One Approved, Another on the Horizon
Approval of Copper Ridge; Cielo data center campus proposed just east of Town.
![PEC Responds to Dominion Energy’s Proposed 2023 Integrated Resource Plan](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/PEC-IRP-Comment-Letter-2023-screenshot-650x.png)
PEC Responds to Dominion Energy’s Proposed 2023 Integrated Resource Plan
In September, The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse submitted public comment on Dominion Energy’s proposed Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) as part of case number PUR-2023-00066 before the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
![Case Study in Breaking Ground: An Affordable Housing Resource Guide for Land Trusts](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/breaking-ground-guide-final.pdf_Page_01-791x1024.png)
Case Study in Breaking Ground: An Affordable Housing Resource Guide for Land Trusts
PEC’s take on the intersection between affordable housing and land conservation.
![Albemarle seeking input on cell tower changes](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/cell_tower_waterloo_fauquier_August_2021_credit_hugh_kenny-3-of-5-1024x682.jpg)
Albemarle seeking input on cell tower changes
Albemarle County is considering changes to its regulations for wireless infrastructure. The County has launched an online survey, where you can submit feedback about the quality of your cell service and how you think towers should be incorporated into Albemarle’s landscape.
![Town Planning Commission to Vote on Copper Ridge Data Center Campus on Aug. 15](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/1200px_data_center_proposal_culpeper_national_cemetery_copper_ridge_2023_credit_hugh_kenny_PEC-8-1024x683.webp)
Town Planning Commission to Vote on Copper Ridge Data Center Campus on Aug. 15
The public hearing is still open for public comment!