In 2022, The Piedmont Environmental Council and other partner groups initiated a campaign opposing the Amazon data center in Warrenton. That campaign made use of yard signs bearing the words “Stop Amazon,” and after the Warrenton Town Council approved Amazon’s special use permit application, stickers were affixed to these signs, with our concurrence, saying “It’s Not Over”.

This week, PEC has become aware that the “It’s Not Over” message on some of these yard signs have recently been covered with materials indicating preference for a particular candidate in the upcoming Warrenton Town Council election. This action was done without our knowledge, involvement, or approval.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we take seriously the integrity of complying with the spirit and the letter of regulations setting forth our limitations on engaging in political speech. As such, The Piedmont Environmental Council cannot and does not intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office, and we object strongly to the altering of these yard signs, which still bear our logo.