Good news update: no new variance to allow data center diesel generators
Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) withdrew its plan to allow emergency diesel backup generators in case of electrical grid stress in April. This is a major win in Northern Virginia where the Great Falls Group and other partners galvanized members to oppose the variance to allow diesel generators to run 24/7 to power more than 4,000 data centers. Great Falls Group leaders spoke at two DEQ hearings.
Ann Bennett, Great Falls Group Executive Committee member, speaks to the press outside a Department of Environmental Quality Feb. 28 hearing on diesel generators for data centers back up power.
More updates:
In Fairfax County GFG volunteers:
- opposed efforts to allow by right zoning for data centers in certain districts;
- advocated against efforts to reduce public hearings at the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors;
- are working with the county Board of Supervisors to establish mitigation guidelines for data centers;
- working with the county Planning Commission to beef up environmental provisions in upcoming policy plans;
- rallied outside a conference of data center executives, thanks to a Virginia Sierra Club media alert by chapter staff.
In Prince William County GFG volunteers:
- continue to work with coalition partners to oppose the devastating Prince William Digital Gateway (PWDG) data center development next to Manassas National Battlefield Park;
- PWDG rezonings are underway and we will submit comments. Data Centers are being approved all over the rural area that was originally zoned to protect much of Northern Virginia's drinking water in the Occoquan Reservoir watershed.
Great Falls Group and local leaders protest at Data Center Conference
Sierra Club Virginia protestors and environmental partners gathered outside the May 24 event DICE EAST: A National Two-Day Data Center Event in Tysons Corner. The conference attendees included land developers, vendors, contractors, data center company reps, realtors and economic development professionals. Speakers included Virginia’s Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Environmentalists spoke outside the entrance to raise awareness that data centers harm communities, the environment, and the economy in many ways, and they exacerbate climate change.
Julie Bolthouse, Piedmont Environmental Council Director of Land Use, rallying environmentalists at May 24 data center conference
The protestors called out the region's data center industry, which accounts for 70% of the world's internet traffic. They would like the industry to take responsibility for its negative impacts, which include reliance on fossil fuels, massive energy use, impacts to drinking water quality/quantity and increases in carbon emissions. Environmentalists attended to make industry and policy makers aware of local opposition, citing impacts to the grid, future costs to ratepayers and transitioning to renewable energy and to make these a bigger topic of discussion at the conference and in board rooms.
Loudoun Environmentalists Gathering, May 13, 2023 Quattro Goombas, Aldie, VA
by Natalie Pien
The second Loudoun Environmentalists Gathering was held on May 13, in Aldie, VA at Quattro Goombas Winery & Brewery. The venue has a variety of outdoor and indoor seating as well as views of open, rolling hills and farms. We gathered at a cluster of picnic tables under the shade of an old oak tree. There, we enjoyed live music from local musician Dave Macklin and his daughter Katie and delicious gourmet pizza created on the premises.
We were honored to have Glen Besa, former Executive Director VA Chapter Sierra Club as our guest speaker. He traveled from Richmond to share wisdom gained after decades of wide ranging environmental work with a current focus on energy and climate change. Glen shared “Rules of Engagement in a Warming World,” which can be used to develop a successful campaign on any topic. Here are the "Rules ” he shared with us. Glen described his 10 rules in a very personable, engaging way and shared his stories to illustrate the rules. Here are a few of the rules: #1. Play by their rules and you lose.”......#5. The law is not enough…….9. Remember to declare victory. 10. Have Fun. Loudoun Environmentalists Gatherings is Rule #10!
To ensure effective stewardship of our environment, electing officials at all levels of government that embrace climate and environmental stewardship is critical. The Loudoun Political Endorsement Team has formed and it will focus on the Board of Supervisors election as its first effort. Please contact Natalie Pien, natcpien1@gmail.com, put LPET in the subject line, to find out how you can help identify the best candidates for the environment.
Electrify your Home With Funds From The Inflation Reduction Act
By Sarah Karush
Have you been looking for ways to implement climate solutions in your own home? Thanks to recent action by Congress, there is money available to help you pay for that. As regular readers of The Cascade know, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed last year contains generous rebates and tax credits for electric vehicles, rooftop solar and energy-efficient home improvements.
Citizens' Climate volunteers used a dollhouse to educate people about the IRA's home electrification and efficiency incentives at an Earth Day event in Arlington. Note the heat pump on the building behind them.
Navigating these incentives is a bit complicated, however. That’s particularly true of the tax credits and rebates for home energy efficiency and electrification. To help you get started, I’d like to offer you this brief guide to the provisions, as well as a link to one of my favorite resources to help you continue your research.
We have new opportunities for volunteers in the Sierra Club Great Falls Group. See nine ideas here to find some that are a fit for you. Local volunteering for the environment helps you and your community by:
Cutting down on emissions by traveling close to home
Giving you a sense of belonging in your own community
Opening you socially to more people in your area
Supporting local projects and people
Teaching you more about your community and other
The personal connections you can gain from volunteering locally canopen you up to a wide range of advantages.
Not only will you make new friends but you’ll also be able to develop relationships in the long-term for as long as you live in the area. ways to help
You learn more about what’s going on in your area, like events, groups and clubs, and more.
For the GFG weekly environmental events email, join thelistserv here and select subscribe (or unsubscribe).
The MeetUp group for Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) is a special activities section of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter. The group organizes hikes and other events in Virginia, DC and Maryland. No Sierra Club membership is necessary to participate. SCPRO welcomes all people on a variety of outdoor adventures, nature walks, conservation outings, and exploration of our natural and regional history. Join SCPRO MeetUp here
Power for the People Virginia
A recent post from Ivy Main's blog on energy-related matters in Virginia.
