A Better Path Forward on Renewable Energy
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About This Factsheet
This Land Trust Alliance Land and Climate Program factsheet profiles how the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is helping communities in Virginia’s rapidly growing data‑center region balance renewable energy development with protection of natural, agricultural and historic resources. PEC warns that unchecked data‑center‑driven energy demand is accelerating pressure for large‑scale solar and transmission build‑out and advocates for a regulatory framework that links data‑center growth with sustainable energy planning. The organization promotes transparent siting, rigorous environmental impact assessments, mitigation funded by data‑center development and expanded distributed solar. Supported by Land and Climate Program grants, PEC also leads peer learning, trainings and coalition‑building to help land trusts nationwide engage early in energy siting decisions and ensure the shift to renewable energy safeguards soils, forests and conserved lands.
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