In December, PEC, along with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, submitted comments on an application by Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to develop a utility-scale solar project at Dulles Airport.
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.
A Few Highlights From 2021
Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and a global economic slowdown, 2021 proved to be a year of new opportunity here at The Piedmont Environmental Council.
Your Support is Doubled for Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to giving back to organizations and causes you care about. Today on November 30, your donation will go twice as far thanks to the generosity of a longtime supporter who is offering a dollar-for-dollar match on any gifts we receive up to a total of $25,000! We hope you consider making a special one-time gift, becoming a new PEC member, or renewing your existing membership.
Loudoun’s Environmental Commission Needs Your Feedback
As Loudoun County grows, the board of supervisors has recognized the need for improving environmental sustainability, health and resilience. Protecting natural resources, preserving energy and pivoting to renewable alternatives are essential to those goals.
To that end, this year the board empaneled a new environmental commission, which began meeting in late July 2021.
National Parks, Rural Prince William Under Threat
As PEC’s deputy director of land use, I am writing to let you know about several local issues that have both regional and national implications. Put simply, the rural area of Prince William County, also known as the “Rural Crescent,” is under threat. Three different proposals are being considered, each unique in scope, but together represent the urbanization and industrialization of the remaining rural lands in Prince William County.
Take Action: Dominion Energy requesting a significant profit increase
PEC joins with our partner organizations across the state in opposition to Dominion Energy’s request to increase their guaranteed profit from 9.2% to 10.8%.
Data Center Development Threatens Rural Crescent
Find out what’s happening in Prince William County. View StoryMap >>
Act Now to Clean up Virginia Politics
At 1 p.m. on Monday, a specially-convened committee on campaign finance reform will hold its first-ever meeting. This is your opportunity to tell legislators to enact common sense campaign finance reforms to ensure transparency and protect the integrity of our political system.
Heat Your Water More Efficiently
According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the average household spends more on water heating than any other energy cost besides heating and cooling. That water heater tank hidden in your closet or down in your basement is working non-stop to keep the water warm and to heat up the cold water that refills it after each use. You don’t need to switch to cold showers to save money—you can reduce your costs greatly by taking a handful of simple steps.
Program Your Comfort
Heating and cooling costs tend to be the single largest component of your utility bill. Instead of leaving your heat or air conditioning on full blast when you’re not home, install a programmable thermostat for your system.