Energy Matters

PEC works toward energy solutions that emphasize efficiency first, use appropriate technologies for the 21st Century and respect the scenic and historic character of the Piedmont. 

The 2025 Virginia General Assembly is in Session.

The 2025 Virginia General Assembly is in Session.

An overview of the topics that PEC has its eye on this session: data center reform, land conservation and public access, solar implementation, housing and local land use authority

2024 Highlights: By the Numbers

2024 Highlights: By the Numbers

PEC’s dedicated staff work relentlessly to advance land conservation, sound land use planning, the protection of natural resources and better climate and energy policy.

Better Solar through HB206

That’s why we successfully advocated for HB206—legislation that requires solar developers to offset the negative impacts of large solar projects on water quality and agricultural and forested lands. Since that legislation passed in 2022, PEC has been part of a regulatory panel of solar developers, environmental advocates and state agencies working to define those requirements.

Shining a Light on Agrivoltaics at Roundabout Meadows

Shining a Light on Agrivoltaics at Roundabout Meadows

This spring, the Piedmont Environmental Council will unveil a project at our Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows with the potential to revolutionize the relationship between the agricultural lands that make up the heart of the Virginia Piedmont and the need for more solar energy capacity across the Commonwealth.

Commission Study Confirms that Energy Demand is Out of Control, Threatening The Community with Higher Costs and Impacts Across the State and Beyond

We applaud the commission’s work over the past year to assess the scope of economic, energy, and environmental impacts due to explosive data center growth. But their analysis of the impact on communities, the environment and the historic and cultural resources is insufficient, and their recommendations don’t match the severity of the impact.