Our Work

Safeguarding the landscapes, communities and heritage of the Piedmont by involving citizens in public policy and land conservation. Learn more about our work by browsing the subject areas below and find out how to get involved!

The Virginia SCC has forced Transparency Out of Dominion Energy

The State Corporation Commission required Dominion to supplement its Oct. 15, 2024, Integrated Resource Plan with modeling plans that meet the requirements of the Virginia Clean Economy Act and show scenarios without data center load. Dominion Energy has begrudgingly responded and the results are alarming, yet unsurprising.

More Shenanagins at Clevenger’s Corner

More Shenanagins at Clevenger’s Corner

You may be familiar with the ongoing development at the corner of Route 229 and 211 known as Clevenger’s Corner. This 770+ house residential and commercial development was initially approved in 2005 and took almost 20 years just to break ground. Now, as the project is nearing completion, the developer is trying to change the rules to industrialize the land closest to Route 211.

Loudoun Considers Policy and Zoning Changes to Better Manage Data Center Development

Loudoun Considers Policy and Zoning Changes to Better Manage Data Center Development

We have a real opportunity to improve the process by which data centers are approved in Loudoun County and start to shift away from the unsustainable path we’ve been on. I encourage you to urge the Planning Commission to act quickly on the proposed plan for increasing oversight of data center development.

Dominion Energy Integrated Resource Plan projects historic rate increases for Virginia ratepayers while subsidizing the world’s wealthiest companies

Dominion Energy Integrated Resource Plan projects historic rate increases for Virginia ratepayers while subsidizing the world’s wealthiest companies

The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) filed by Dominion
Energy with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (“SCC”) this week projects a more than 100
percent increase in electricity usage in the next 15 years, primarily driven by the explosive and
uncontrolled growth of data centers.

A Match Made in Conservation

A Match Made in Conservation

Stepping into land conservation for the first time, or starting a new conservation project, can feel as intimidating or overwhelming as a first date might feel. But in these brightly lit rooms with friendly faces, VGBI’s Conservation Speed Dating workshops replace the awkward small-talk with a fun and comfortable atmosphere where neighbors come together with conservation professionals to receive guidance.

Update on Data Center Development and Transmission Lines in Fauquier

Update on Data Center Development and Transmission Lines in Fauquier

Fauquier County is under incredible pressure from energy infrastructure facilities to serve data center growth in Northern Virginia and from data center development projects within its own borders. Here is information about the proposed data center developments, an update on the new transmission line threat and PEC’s recommendation going forward.

Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative offers financial incentives for delayed haying and summer pasture stockpiling

Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative offers financial incentives for delayed haying and summer pasture stockpiling

Now through Nov 15, the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) is accepting applications from producers in 16 counties across the northern Virginia Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Shenandoah Valley, who are interested in financial incentives for protecting nesting grassland birds during the 2025 haying season.