That’s why we successfully advocated for HB206—legislation that requires solar developers to offset the negative impacts of large solar projects on water quality and agricultural and forested lands. Since that legislation passed in 2022, PEC has been part of a regulatory panel of solar developers, environmental advocates and state agencies working to define those requirements.
Solar
Shining a Light on Agrivoltaics at Roundabout Meadows
This spring, the Piedmont Environmental Council will unveil a project at our Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows with the potential to revolutionize the relationship between the agricultural lands that make up the heart of the Virginia Piedmont and the need for more solar energy capacity across the Commonwealth.
General Assembly Snapshot: 2025
The General Assembly convenes on Jan. 8 for a planned “short session” that runs through Feb. 22. PEC has co-authored several white papers that form the framework of the Virginia Conservation Network’s legislative priorities.
On The Ground Updates – September 2024
A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.
Act Now to Support Common Sense Planning for Solar in Orange County
On Sept. 10, the Orange County Board of Supervisors will consider a zoning ordinance to ban any solar facility that produces power primarily for off-site users. This extreme approach is contrary to good planning practice, doesn’t allow for a balancing of community needs, and bolsters efforts at the General Assembly to initiate the drastic step of taking away local authority on solar siting.
Cville Area Land Use: Week Ahead for June 24, 2024
Solar policy on agendas of several meetings across the region
Solar for Rural Businesses Workshop Resources – May 7, 2024
On May 7, 2024, PEC hosted a workshop called “Solar for Rural Businesses: Accessing Funding for Small-Scale Solar” in Albemarle County.
Solar for Rural Businesses Workshop: Accessing Funding for Small-Scale Solar
Learn how to access small-scale solar & energy efficiency improvements for your business through USDA’s Rural Energy for American Program.