On Tuesday, Aug. 15, the Planning Commission vote on Copper Ridge was tied 2-2, with one of the commissioners having recused himself. The data center campus rezoning now heads to the Town Council on Sept. 12 without a recommendation either way, and we are writing to ask you to weigh in with the Town Council before it votes.
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.
![Expanding Access to Community Solar](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/vcn_logo-1024x732.png)
Expanding Access to Community Solar
Community solar is an affordable renewable energy option for residents who cannot secure rooftop solar due to logistical constraints.
![Powering Progress Through Rooftop Solar](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/vcn_logo-1024x732.png)
Powering Progress Through Rooftop Solar
Distributed rooftop solar has many benefits as we build out the clean energy needed to reach the 100% zero-carbon-emissions standard laid out in Virginia’s Clean Economy Act (VCEA).
![Deploying Utility-Scale Solar Responsibly](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/vcn_logo-1024x732.png)
Deploying Utility-Scale Solar Responsibly
Utility-scale solar facilities are a key component of Virginia’s transition to a clean energy future. However, the Commonwealth must ensure that impacts on Virginia’s farms, forests, and streams are minimized.
![Mitigating Data Center Development’s Impacts](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/vcn_logo-1024x732.png)
Mitigating Data Center Development’s Impacts
Virginia is home to the largest concentration of data centers in the world, widely cited as hosting 70% of global internet traffic. This massive industry is continuing to grow very fast, requiring huge amounts of energy, land, and water to operate, resulting in widespread community impacts.
![Why I Got Solar for My Home](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/resized_solar_panels_ev_charger_loudoun_credit_hugh_kenny_PEC-2-1-1024x767.webp)
Why I Got Solar for My Home
Creating your own energy on-site and using it, learning more about how electricity works and inspiring your neighbors makes the journey engaging and communal.
![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!
![Webinar: Solarize Virginia](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/Solarize-Virginia-Piedmont.jpg)
Webinar: Solarize Virginia
In this webinar, Local Energy Alliance Program’s (LEAP) Solarize Virginia director Katie VanLangen and Solar Energy World Vice-President of Sales Brian Hacker explain everything you need to know about the Solarize campaign and the nuts-and-bolts of residential solar.
![Copper Ridge Data Center Rezoning Tabled Until August 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)
Copper Ridge Data Center Rezoning Tabled Until August 15
The Town of Culpeper Planning Commission moved to hold any decision on the rezoning application until its next regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 6 p.m.
![Solarize Piedmont 2023 makes going solar easy, now through Aug. 31](https://www.pecva.org/wp-content/uploads/resized_solar_panels_ev_charger_loudoun_credit_hugh_kenny_PEC-2-1024x767.webp)
Solarize Piedmont 2023 makes going solar easy, now through Aug. 31
Solarize Piedmont 2023, a Piedmont Environmental Council campaign in partnership with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and participating municipalities, is running now through August 31.