PEC urges Virginia data center reform and conservation priorities

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) announces its policy priorities for the 2026 Virginia General Assembly and calls for constituent engagement, highlighting data center reform and conservation funding as top actions.

• Main announcement: PEC is urging constituents to lobby state lawmakers on data center reform (including support for HB155 sponsored by Delegate Thomas) and is organizing a Data Center Reform Lobby Day on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 to “urge state lawmakers to take action on the unchecked growth of data centers.” Four pillars emphasized are state oversight, ratepayer protection, enhanced transparency, and mitigation of impacts.
• Background and session priorities: PEC outlines sustained asks on conservation funding (including support for the Our Virginia Outdoors proposal to dedicate $250 million annually), details the Land Preservation Tax Credit (40% of donated land/easement value), and lists other focus areas: rooftop and large-scale solar, battery storage, wildlife corridors, invasive species, housing, and local land-use authority. Lobby days with dates: Jan. 28 (Virginia Outdoor Recreation Lobby Day), Feb. 4 (Conservation Lobby Day), Feb. 9 (Data Center Reform Lobby Day).