The Piedmont News is an email digest of top news stories about conservation, land use, energy, and environmental matters of interest to the region. We hope you’ll share The Piedmont News with someone else who cares about these stories.
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Cardinal News
(March 12, 2025)
"The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote April 15 on a rezoning application that would allow a data center project to move forward. The land behind Campbell’s church may soon be home to 12 data center buildings across a 740-acre campus."
This article quotes Piedmont Environmental Council Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse and PEC Land Use Field Representative Sarah Parmelee, and uses features photographs by PEC Multimedia Communications Specialist Hugh Kenny.
Bay Journal
(March 12, 2025)
"Virginia saw a busy 45-day session with lines of residents stretching out the door ready to speak with legislators at the General Assembly building. Now, the Capitol is quiet as everyone waits to hear what will make it past the governor’s desk."
This article mentions Piedmont Environmental Council Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse.
VPM
(March 11, 2025)
"Wide ranging factors are contributing to increases in Virginia energy bills — inflation, fluctuating fuel costs and renewable generation among them. But electricity demand for new data centers is driving expected costs, according to state research."
Fauquier Now
(March 11, 2025)
"Farmers and landowners in Rappahannock and nearby counties — as well as conservation programs — are feeling the effects of a federal freeze being implemented by the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, an initiative of the Trump administration tasked with slashing federal spending."
This article quotes Piedmont Environmental Council Director of Land Conservation Mike Kane.
Floodlight
(March 5, 2025)
"The explosive growth of data centers around the country — driven in large part by the burgeoning use of artificial intelligence — could come at a 'staggering' cost for average residents with skyrocketing electricity bills. A new report from Harvard’s Electricity Law Initiative says unless something changes, all U.S. consumers will pay billions of dollars to build new power plants to serve Big Tech."
The Washington Post
(March 12, 2025)
"I pick one up and hold it in my hand: Its smooth skin is a purplish gray, and it is covered from head to tail in bright yellow dots, as if painted by a child. It sits calmly in my hand, peering back at me with big, curious eyes, its closed mouth forming a line that looks very much like a grin."
Rappahannock News
(March 11, 2025)
"A portion of Big Meadows (mile 51 on Skyline Drive), the open area across from Byrd Visitor Center, is burned each year for the purpose of maintaining the open vista and reducing the potential for wildfire by preventing encroachment from small trees and shrubs and reducing grass and shrub cover."
Fauquier Now
(March 11, 2025)
"Farmers and landowners in Rappahannock and nearby counties — as well as conservation programs — are feeling the effects of a federal freeze being implemented by the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, an initiative of the Trump administration tasked with slashing federal spending."
This article quotes Piedmont Environmental Council Director of Land Conservation Mike Kane.
Rappahannock News
(March 9, 2025)
"I looked for harbingers of spring all February. I don’t really expect many up here at 1,300 feet in the Allegheny foothills, but I also didn’t find any during a walk on Feb. 14 at Seven Bends State Park. This park borders the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, on the east side of Woodstock, and opened a couple of years ago."
The Piedmont Journal Recorder
(March 7, 2025)
"If it’s spring, it is the time for sports fans to look forward to basketball. But there are some other activities that everyone can enjoy: the increasing opportunities to explore all the wonder of Mother Nature as the weather warms up and the days get longer."
Rappahannock News
(March 7, 2025)
"The Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District is holding its annual tree sale. Customers can choose from a variety of $5 seedlings, 25 live stakes for $25, a native wildflower meadow mix for pollinators for $30 and five seedlings of the American Chestnut hybrid for $35."
Data Center Dynamics
(March 6, 2025)
"Speakers from the Prince William Conservation Alliance and Piedmont Environmental Council speak with DCD's Matt Gooding about the impact of data centers on communities."
This video features an interview with Piedmont Environmental Council Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse.
Information Charlottesville
(March 12, 2025)
"The first rezoning application of 2025 has been filed with Albemarle’s Community Development Department on 3.2 acres in the Places29-Rio section of the county’s growth area. A company with the name Piedmont Realty Holdings III is seeking to rezone four lots at 600 Rio Road from Commercial Office to Neighborhood Model District."
Information Charlottesville
(March 12, 2025)
"At their meeting in June, the governing body of the University of Virginia will decide whether to move forward with a $38 million project to convert the heating plant to move away from the use of coal."
C-VILLE Weekly
(March 12, 2025)
"Albemarle County has several rules intended to limit commercial development in the vast majority of its 726 square miles, including large stretches of highway. For instance, you can’t have a country store that’s more than 4,000 square feet in total size."
The Crozet Gazette
(March 8, 2025)
"The Downtown Crozet Initiative (DCI) announced in February its receipt of a $250,000 Perry Foundation grant to support construction of the Crozet Plaza on the former Barnes Lumber property in central Crozet."
Information Charlottesville
(March 8, 2025)
"There are many areas in the greater community that will likely look very different in 20 years as whatever will happen will have happened. For over 20 years already, planning has been underway for the eventual future of the former Barnes Lumberyard in Crozet."
Information Charlottesville
(March 8, 2025)
"Four months have passed since Albemarle County launched a one-year pilot of closing Free Bridge Lane to through traffic. The roadway runs along the Rivanna River between U.S. 250 and Darden-Towe Park and the Pantops Master Plan called for new recreation areas."
Fauquier Times
(March 12, 2025)
"A project to build 135 homes is rapidly reshaping a hillside on Warrenton’s southeast side, and will also reconfigure one of the town’s few historically Black neighborhoods — a small conclave of about 20 homes known as Oliver City that was established in 1905."
Fauquier Times
(March 11, 2025)
"The committee, formed in January, was launched to examine past land use decisions in Warrenton, including the approval of an Amazon data center."
Loudoun Now
(March 13, 2025)
"The Loudoun County School Board on March 11 was briefed on the routing options presented by Dominion Energy for its Golden to Mars Transmission Line project. Two routes would run along the campus that houses Rock Ridge High School and Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School, in the Little River district, near the Loudoun Valley Estates neighborhood."
Loudoun Now
(March 13, 2025)
"As the Purcellville Town Council prepares to pull support from efforts to include the town in the Virginia Main Street program, business owners say they want to continue work to revitalize downtown anyway."
Loudoun Now
(March 12, 2025)
"A move to bury high voltage transmission lines underground is again gaining grassroots traction as Dominion Energy advances plans to build out a power loop around eastern and southern Loudoun to improve grid reliability within the county."
Loudoun Now
(March 11, 2025)
"Sweet Run—Virginia’s 42nd, and northernmost, state park—covers nearly 900 acres in the Neersville area, stretching west from Harpers Ferry Road to the top of the Blue Ridge. It features 11 miles of hiking trails, including a link to the Appalachian Trail; nine miles of equestrian trails; a fishing pond; a picnic pavilion; a nature play area for children; and historical sites that provide insight into early settlement and industry in the region."
Loudoun Now
(March 10, 2025)
"Buddy Rizer is known internationally as the architect of the world’s largest data center hub, but with that industry reaching build-out in Loudoun he is focused on tapping into the full potential of Metro’s Silver Line. Speaking to members of the Dulles Area Association of Realtors during their annual Economic Summit on March 5, Loudoun’s executive director of economic development provided an overview of the unparallelled impact data centers have had in the county and previewed the next wave of development."
Loudoun Times-Mirror
(March 10, 2025)
"Loudoun County is hosting a meeting at 6 p.m. March 26 to hear from the public on the Route 50 corridor as part of the Route 50 Safety and Operational Study. The study corridor is approximately 14 miles of Route 50, from Northstar Boulevard to the Fauquier County line. The study will identify safety and operational issues and present recommended solutions."
Loudoun Times-Mirror
(March 6, 2025)
"County spokesman Glen Barbour said it is the county’s intention to lease a portion of the Marrwood Drive property to Loudoun County Public Schools, for a future use to be determined by LCPS. He said the county might use other portions of the property for another future use by county government, which has not yet been determined."
Loudoun Times-Mirror
(March 6, 2025)
"Plans for the 18.4-acre site include building 490 apartments, approximately 160 townhomes and condo units, 104,000 square feet of office space, 70,000 square feet for retail and restaurants, three parks and green spaces, and an outdoor amphitheater."
The Washington Post
(March 12, 2025)
"I pick one up and hold it in my hand: Its smooth skin is a purplish gray, and it is covered from head to tail in bright yellow dots, as if painted by a child. It sits calmly in my hand, peering back at me with big, curious eyes, its closed mouth forming a line that looks very much like a grin."
Fauquier Times
(March 13, 2025)
"The Prince William County supervisors have signaled their intent to pump more tax revenue out of data centers next year while perhaps giving residents a break on their real estate or car taxes."
InsideNoVa
(March 10, 2025)
"Sunshine Honey Farm in Nokesville will receive a nearly $50,000 state grant to upgrade its operations. The western Prince William business operates a small upright farm stand offering meat, eggs, honey and vegetables. The grant funding, $49,450, will be used to purchase a building, freezer, signage and other related work."
Prince William Times
(March 6, 2025)
"Nearly three years ago, residents of the Great Oak community began sounding the alarm about excessive noise emanating from a new Amazon data center next to their neighborhood south of Manassas. Now, at the urging of those residents, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors is poised to consider a strict new noise ordinance, one of a just a few in the nation designed to deal with the unique characteristics of data center noise."
InsideNoVa
(March 6, 2025)
"A lawsuit challenging the PW Digital Gateway data center project – filed by the Oak Valley Homeowners Association and 11 Gainesville-area residents – will be heard in a two-day evidentiary hearing on June 5-6 beginning at 9 a.m. each day, with a potential shift to May 29-30 if plaintiff availability allows."
Bethesda Magazine
(March 11, 2025)
"Dozens of supporters and opponents packed a Montgomery County Council public hearing in Rockville on Tuesday to offer their opinions on a package of proposed legislation and zoning text amendments that aim to increase workforce housing along local transit corridors."
This article quotes the Coalition for Smarter Growth Montgomery Advocacy Manager Carrie Kisicki. CSG is a project of The Piedmont Environmental Council.
Virginia Mercury
(March 7, 2025)
"Owners of the commuter rail system Virginia Railway Express on Thursday signed off on a five-year, $155 million agreement with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), allowing the system to enhance service reliability and provide control over stations and schedules between Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia."
The Northern Virginia Daily
(March 6, 2025)
"Since its passage in 2022, the IRA expanded federal agriculture and conservation program by increasing funding for NRCS initiatives like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and launching efforts like U.S. Department of Agriculture Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. Its impact surged in 2024, according to Tate."
The Free Lance-Star
(March 13, 2025)
"The conversation at Tuesday’s informational meeting, about the proposed Blaisdell Property Data Center off U.S. 17 in Falmouth, fell along the same lines as discussions about similar projects in the Fredericksburg area."
The Free Lance-Star
(March 13, 2025)
"Spotsylvania County has approved spending more than $100 million for upgrades to the water and wastewater infrastructure needed to support future data centers."
Bay Journal
(March 13, 2025)
"Maryland is targeting five of its ailing watersheds for a concentrated push to restore them — but the state’s budget crisis has put funding for the effort in doubt."
Fredericksburg Free Press
(March 6, 2025)
"The 41-year-old Ranalli and her friends are among an estimated 1,000-plus National Park Service workers who were fired recently due to their 'probationary' employment status. Ranalli received word Feb. 14. A happy Valentine’s Day it wasn’t."
The Winchester Star
(March 6, 2025)
"Last February, Kelly Good’s electric bill was $187 — the highest it had ever been since she moved into her Winchester home. This February, the bill was $41 — a 78% decrease from a year ago. She isn’t switching off the lights more or taking shorter showers. Solar panels are making the difference."
Clarke Monthly
(March 5, 2025)
"It’s eagle nesting season again. The bald eagles at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown have laid two eggs and incubation has begun."
Bay Journal
(March 13, 2025)
"About two miles east of the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond is a five-acre, grass-covered hill that some might see as a graveyard for years’ worth of trash. But Richmond officials see the former landfill site as an opportunity to bring solar energy to the city — at a time when citizens, towns and counties around the state have been opposing new solar projects."
Cardinal News
(March 12, 2025)
"The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote April 15 on a rezoning application that would allow a data center project to move forward. The land behind Campbell’s church may soon be home to 12 data center buildings across a 740-acre campus."
This article quotes Piedmont Environmental Council Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse and PEC Land Use Field Representative Sarah Parmelee, and uses features photographs by PEC Multimedia Communications Specialist Hugh Kenny.
WHRO
(March 12, 2025)
"Nonprofits across the bay watershed said they’re seeing money dry up for farmers, local governments and community groups that rely on it."
The Daily Progress
(March 12, 2025)
"'The reality is the Forest Service is now looking at closing recreation areas because we don’t have the staffing to provide the essential services anymore,' she said. 'I don’t think they have any idea who we are and the essential work we do.'"
Bay Journal
(March 12, 2025)
"Virginia saw a busy 45-day session with lines of residents stretching out the door ready to speak with legislators at the General Assembly building. Now, the Capitol is quiet as everyone waits to hear what will make it past the governor’s desk."
This article mentions Piedmont Environmental Council Director of Land Use Julie Bolthouse.
Chatham Star-Tribune
(March 11, 2025)
"Balico wants to rezone nearly 750 acres. Their original plan was for over 22-hundred acres. Instead of 84 data centers this would only have twelve. It would also include a 300-megawatt mobile power plant. Long-term plans call for a permanent power plant generating 35-hundred megawatts, fueled by the Mountain Valley Pipeline."
Radio IQ
(March 11, 2025)
"Virginia’s data center industry is massive– in both the amount of land it covers and, most importantly, the tax revenue it brings. But as some localities tire of the massive tech hubs, others are swinging open their doors to welcome them."
VPM
(March 11, 2025)
"Wide ranging factors are contributing to increases in Virginia energy bills — inflation, fluctuating fuel costs and renewable generation among them. But electricity demand for new data centers is driving expected costs, according to state research."
Virginia Mercury
(March 10, 2025)
"The current law allows only some localities within planning district eight in Northern Virginia to adopt slightly higher tree canopy replacement percentages after a piece of land is developed compared to the rest of the state. Tree canopy replacement requires that a certain percentage of each lot must contain trees 20 years after it is developed or redeveloped."
WHRO
(March 10, 2025)
"Hampton Roads is particularly at risk from changing climate conditions, facing issues with sinking land, outdated stormwater infrastructure and one of the nation’s highest rates of sea level rise. Local leaders say the region’s vulnerability also makes it uniquely positioned to serve as a testbed for climate solutions."
The New York Times
(March 13, 2025)
"At Happy Hollow Farm, a small, 16-acre operation in central Missouri, Liz Graznak grows a variety of vegetables, including organic carrots, Swiss chard, radishes and beets. Some of those vegetables go to local distributors where they are placed in boxes, alongside meat and dairy items also produced in the state, and delivered to low-income people. Other vegetables are sent to school districts that would normally not have the budget to serve students fresh, locally grown produce."
Politico
(March 12, 2025)
"The economic turbulence from President Donald Trump’s whipsawing trade wars is starting to test the patience of the oil and gas sector — and threatening to undermine the explosive energy growth he promised during his campaign."
AP News
(March 12, 2025)
"The Trump administration on Wednesday announced it will reconsider the reach of the nation’s bedrock clean water law and likely further limit the wetlands it covers, building on a Supreme Court decision two years ago that removed federal protections for significant areas."
AP News
(March 12, 2025)
"Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin on Wednesday announced nearly three dozen deregulatory moves that he said would spur the U.S. economy by rolling back rules that have unfairly burdened industry. Many of the moves would affect landmark regulations aimed at protecting clean air and water."
The Washington Post
(March 10, 2025)
"Oil and gas executives, in a celebratory mood Monday as they kicked off an annual energy summit, showed just how quickly they are rolling back their support for a rapid transition from carbon fuels to cleaner power. With President Donald Trump in the White House, they cheered a reset they say is overdue after living through a years-long regulatory and corporate push toward green energy."
The Washington Post
(March 10, 2025)
"Carolyn Jones never thought it was controversial to herd her cattle to different parts of her 200-acre ranch in northeastern Mississippi to give the grass time to grow back between grazing."
The Cool Down
(March 10, 2025)
"Across the northeastern United States, a quiet but powerful transformation is underway. Rivers that were once blocked by outdated dams are now running freely again, and the results are nothing short of astonishing — long-lost ecosystems are returning, fish are migrating in record numbers, and local residents are reconnecting with revitalized waterways in ways they never imagined."
The New York Times
(March 6, 2025)
"America’s national parks saw more than 331 million visits last year, a record. But the Trump administration does not want to call attention to those numbers, according to a National Park Service memo, amid mass firings of rangers and other employees at the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Arches and other popular destinations."
Floodlight
(March 5, 2025)
"The explosive growth of data centers around the country — driven in large part by the burgeoning use of artificial intelligence — could come at a 'staggering' cost for average residents with skyrocketing electricity bills. A new report from Harvard’s Electricity Law Initiative says unless something changes, all U.S. consumers will pay billions of dollars to build new power plants to serve Big Tech."
Forbes
(March 4, 2025)
"Power demand from new data center installations in the United States is expected to grow by 1,000 percent from the end of 2024 through 2035, according to a new study from Norwegian research firm Rystad Energy. Natural gas power plant expansion is projected to become the largest source powering the data center growth, most of which is driven by rapid advancements in AI technology and growth in cloud computing services."
The Washington Post
(March 13, 2025)
"A paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Monday found that the tiny plastic particles could be slashing photosynthesis rates globally. Microplastics, the scientists estimated, are responsible for a reduction in photosynthesis of 7 to 12 percent worldwide in plants and algae. That cut in photosynthesis, the researchers warned, could also impact large-scale crops that humans depend on, such as wheat, corn and rice."
