Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
@vgcclimate.bsky.social
VirginiaGrassroots.org
Working group for Climate and Clean Energy within the coalition.
Supporting VA legislation to lower emissions and accelerate an affordable, clean energy economy.
https://virginiagrassroots.org/coalition-wg-climate.php
Working group for Climate and Clean Energy within the coalition.
Supporting VA legislation to lower emissions and accelerate an affordable, clean energy economy.
https://virginiagrassroots.org/coalition-wg-climate.php
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
Data centers and rising energy costs are impacting our community and its future. Join me for a District Dialogue on Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the Stone Hill Middle School. Sign up to attend here: subramanyam.house.gov/Events
November 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Data centers and rising energy costs are impacting our community and its future. Join me for a District Dialogue on Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the Stone Hill Middle School. Sign up to attend here: subramanyam.house.gov/Events
Virginia's Commission on Electric Utility Regulation has very important 🔥 topics on the agenda for Tuesday December 2 -
CEUR: Solar and Storage 9:00 am;
Advanced Energy 10:00 am;
Energy Affordability 11:00 am.
Streaming here: virginia-senate.granicus.com/ViewPublishe...
CEUR: Solar and Storage 9:00 am;
Advanced Energy 10:00 am;
Energy Affordability 11:00 am.
Streaming here: virginia-senate.granicus.com/ViewPublishe...
Public View
virginia-senate.granicus.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Virginia's Commission on Electric Utility Regulation has very important 🔥 topics on the agenda for Tuesday December 2 -
CEUR: Solar and Storage 9:00 am;
Advanced Energy 10:00 am;
Energy Affordability 11:00 am.
Streaming here: virginia-senate.granicus.com/ViewPublishe...
CEUR: Solar and Storage 9:00 am;
Advanced Energy 10:00 am;
Energy Affordability 11:00 am.
Streaming here: virginia-senate.granicus.com/ViewPublishe...
Virginia solar map - Cardinal News takes a look at data and trends from solardatabase.coopercenter.org
Virginia’s solar trends have changed: Approvals are up, denials are down.
In 2024, Virginia localities rejected more megawatts than they approved. So far in 2025, that trend has reversed.
cardinalnews.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Virginia solar map - Cardinal News takes a look at data and trends from solardatabase.coopercenter.org
Well done @neighbors4change on this 30min conversation about what a data center project near you means.
Data center plans move quickly - typically 4 months. That is a short time to inform and activate your neighbors.
Here is how you do it👇
Data center plans move quickly - typically 4 months. That is a short time to inform and activate your neighbors.
Here is how you do it👇
Want to know about the proposed data center in Hanover Va? Here is an interview with our own N4C Editor Colleen Bohlman and local realtor Chris Elliott. Link to full Urube video:
m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wykx...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wykx...
HHHunt Data Center Explained: Why Wyndham & Short Pump Should Care
YouTube video by Chris Elliott - Richmond, VA Real Estate Agent
m.youtube.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Well done @neighbors4change on this 30min conversation about what a data center project near you means.
Data center plans move quickly - typically 4 months. That is a short time to inform and activate your neighbors.
Here is how you do it👇
Data center plans move quickly - typically 4 months. That is a short time to inform and activate your neighbors.
Here is how you do it👇
As Heather wrote in her letter today, @johnmcauliff.bsky.social ran & won on reigning in data center corporate giants.
It was a message all were willing to hear & vote on.
The cost:benefit to communities is high = a tax on all Virginians indirectly.
@heathercoxrichardson.substack.com.web.brid.gy
It was a message all were willing to hear & vote on.
The cost:benefit to communities is high = a tax on all Virginians indirectly.
@heathercoxrichardson.substack.com.web.brid.gy
Virginia Democrat flips seat in state legislature by taking on datacenters
John McAuliff won against a Republican by focusing on something affecting all his constituents: the cost of energy
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:50 PM
As Heather wrote in her letter today, @johnmcauliff.bsky.social ran & won on reigning in data center corporate giants.
It was a message all were willing to hear & vote on.
The cost:benefit to communities is high = a tax on all Virginians indirectly.
@heathercoxrichardson.substack.com.web.brid.gy
It was a message all were willing to hear & vote on.
The cost:benefit to communities is high = a tax on all Virginians indirectly.
@heathercoxrichardson.substack.com.web.brid.gy
Former coal communities in Virginia lost a half-million-dollar EPA grant (Cut by DOGE and in litigation).
Funding that would make modest investments against an environmental legacy of mining and a climate future of increased flooding.
Funding that would make modest investments against an environmental legacy of mining and a climate future of increased flooding.
Strong local organizations like Coalfield Development are getting kneecapped while trying to build a better economy for West Virginia.
‘Deeply demoralizing’: how Trump derailed coal country’s clean-energy revival
Biden earmarked billions for former coal communities in Appalachia – and his successor came and took it away
www.theguardian.com
November 30, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Former coal communities in Virginia lost a half-million-dollar EPA grant (Cut by DOGE and in litigation).
Funding that would make modest investments against an environmental legacy of mining and a climate future of increased flooding.
Funding that would make modest investments against an environmental legacy of mining and a climate future of increased flooding.
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
These Virginia battery projects have the potential to replace gas-fired peaker plants — but are cheaper and quicker to build than utility-scale units.
Small but mighty grid batteries take root in Virginia
As data centers strain the grid, developers turn to fast-to-build batteries to reduce reliance on inefficient gas plants and cut household bills.
www.canarymedia.com
November 29, 2025 at 11:47 PM
These Virginia battery projects have the potential to replace gas-fired peaker plants — but are cheaper and quicker to build than utility-scale units.
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
Hyperscale data centers are forcing a step change in how the grid is planned and operated, and MI’s utility regulators are right to be concerned about cost shifting. But the same concern must be applied to ensure that data centers support a clean, reliable, and affordable grid for all Michiganders.
Michigan’s Data Center Boom Demands a Clean Energy Strategy—Not Delay
Hyperscale data centers are forcing a step-change in how the grid is planned and operated, and Michigan’s utility regulators are right to be concerned about cost shifting. But the same care and concern must also be applied to clean energy requirements and interconnection reform to ensure that data c
blog.ucs.org
November 29, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Hyperscale data centers are forcing a step change in how the grid is planned and operated, and MI’s utility regulators are right to be concerned about cost shifting. But the same concern must be applied to ensure that data centers support a clean, reliable, and affordable grid for all Michiganders.
Two corporations on this list have something else in common - their customers are trapped, with no choice in who supplies their electricity.
What do these corporations have in common?
Netflix
Ford
Tesla
T-Mobile
Duke Energy
DISH Network
Metlife
Dominion Energy
United States Steel
In recent years, they all paid their execs more than they paid in taxes.
This is what a corporate-rigged system looks like.
Netflix
Ford
Tesla
T-Mobile
Duke Energy
DISH Network
Metlife
Dominion Energy
United States Steel
In recent years, they all paid their execs more than they paid in taxes.
This is what a corporate-rigged system looks like.
November 29, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Two corporations on this list have something else in common - their customers are trapped, with no choice in who supplies their electricity.
[gift 🔗]
'We are living in a much riskier world than we were 25y ago. '
Reinsurance shock for homeowners in more places than you might think.
Home affordability has many challenges in a changing climate.
'We are living in a much riskier world than we were 25y ago. '
Reinsurance shock for homeowners in more places than you might think.
Home affordability has many challenges in a changing climate.
A Climate ‘Shock’ Is Eroding Some Home Values. New Data Shows How Much. (Gift Article)
Changes in the insurance market have started to affect home prices in the most disaster-prone areas, new research finds, pushing some homeowners’ finances to the breaking point.
www.nytimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:13 PM
[gift 🔗]
'We are living in a much riskier world than we were 25y ago. '
Reinsurance shock for homeowners in more places than you might think.
Home affordability has many challenges in a changing climate.
'We are living in a much riskier world than we were 25y ago. '
Reinsurance shock for homeowners in more places than you might think.
Home affordability has many challenges in a changing climate.
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
Spot-on by @subletteweather.com - huge mistake by the Virginia State Corporation Commission bluevirginia.us/2025/11/virg...
November 27, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Spot-on by @subletteweather.com - huge mistake by the Virginia State Corporation Commission bluevirginia.us/2025/11/virg...
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
Today on Volts: I've had more requests to cover this than almost any other topic in the pod's history, so now, at long last, balcony solar! We dig into how "plug-in solar" took off in Europe & how it's making its way to the US, starting in Utah. Backyard DIY types rejoice!
What's the deal with balcony solar?
Cora Stryker joins me to explain how "plug-in" solar took Europe by storm and is finally, via Utah (?), making its way to America.
www.volts.wtf
November 26, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Today on Volts: I've had more requests to cover this than almost any other topic in the pod's history, so now, at long last, balcony solar! We dig into how "plug-in solar" took off in Europe & how it's making its way to the US, starting in Utah. Backyard DIY types rejoice!
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
'“EPA now confesses error,” DOJ attorneys wrote, adding EPA should have put greater weight on the “extraordinary” compliance costs associated with the new limit.
But a VT law prof noted a SCt ruling bars EPA from considering potential compliance costs when setting clean air health standards.'
Yup.
But a VT law prof noted a SCt ruling bars EPA from considering potential compliance costs when setting clean air health standards.'
Yup.
Trump’s EPA Abandons Defense of National Soot Standard That Saves Lives.
Abandoning soot standards would cause more asthma attacks, heart disease, and early death — especially in vulnerable communities. www.nrdc.org/press-releas...
Abandoning soot standards would cause more asthma attacks, heart disease, and early death — especially in vulnerable communities. www.nrdc.org/press-releas...
Trump’s EPA Abandons Defense of National Soot Standard That Saves Lives
The Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave up defending the national, health-based limits on fine particulate matter (PM2.5), also known as soot, that EPA strengthened last ...
www.nrdc.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:59 PM
'“EPA now confesses error,” DOJ attorneys wrote, adding EPA should have put greater weight on the “extraordinary” compliance costs associated with the new limit.
But a VT law prof noted a SCt ruling bars EPA from considering potential compliance costs when setting clean air health standards.'
Yup.
But a VT law prof noted a SCt ruling bars EPA from considering potential compliance costs when setting clean air health standards.'
Yup.
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
These 2 Virginia battery projects fit a critical niche: Bigger than home batteries, but smaller and quicker to build than utility-scale projects.
Small but mighty grid batteries take root in Virginia
As data centers strain the grid, developers turn to fast-to-build batteries to reduce reliance on inefficient gas plants and cut household bills.
www.canarymedia.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:41 PM
These 2 Virginia battery projects fit a critical niche: Bigger than home batteries, but smaller and quicker to build than utility-scale projects.
Dominion Energy reliably gets to build whatever they want, because rate-payers are trapped.
We had a contract for clean energy and they argue we need the reliability of gas peaker plants.
No no no.
Failure of regulatory oversight.
We had a contract for clean energy and they argue we need the reliability of gas peaker plants.
No no no.
Failure of regulatory oversight.
NEW: The SCC handed down approvals for Dominion's proposed Chesterfield gas plant and a based increase to utility bills -- which includes a new rate class for data centers. #valeg #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/s...
SCC approves Chesterfield gas plant and Dominion rate hike, creates new rate class for data centers • Virginia Mercury
Dominion Energy was handed two major approvals from the State Corporation Commission on Tuesday after the board OK’d the controversial Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center as well as the utility’s n...
virginiamercury.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Dominion Energy reliably gets to build whatever they want, because rate-payers are trapped.
We had a contract for clean energy and they argue we need the reliability of gas peaker plants.
No no no.
Failure of regulatory oversight.
We had a contract for clean energy and they argue we need the reliability of gas peaker plants.
No no no.
Failure of regulatory oversight.
Everybody loves energy efficiency, you'd think.
But utilities are rewarded more for building stuff for new energy demand.
Builders don't like spending the 5% more in construction to build a very efficient new home.
So there's a lot more work to do - and a lot more bills to be filed.
But utilities are rewarded more for building stuff for new energy demand.
Builders don't like spending the 5% more in construction to build a very efficient new home.
So there's a lot more work to do - and a lot more bills to be filed.
House Dems put two bills focused on energy efficiency on their priority list for the 2026 General Assembly Session. #valeg #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/v...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/25/v...
Va. House Democrats make energy efficiency a key priority for legislative session • Virginia Mercury
Lawmakers have filed bills to create an energy efficiency task force and to mandate utilities give qualified customers efficiency upgrades by 2031.
virginiamercury.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Everybody loves energy efficiency, you'd think.
But utilities are rewarded more for building stuff for new energy demand.
Builders don't like spending the 5% more in construction to build a very efficient new home.
So there's a lot more work to do - and a lot more bills to be filed.
But utilities are rewarded more for building stuff for new energy demand.
Builders don't like spending the 5% more in construction to build a very efficient new home.
So there's a lot more work to do - and a lot more bills to be filed.
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
APCo rates have surged more than three times faster than inflation since 2007, but why? Discover the root causes of rising bills and policy solutions to lower them in our new report, The Path to Affordable Power: Lowering bills for APCo customers. www.cleanvirginia.org/wp-content/u...
November 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
APCo rates have surged more than three times faster than inflation since 2007, but why? Discover the root causes of rising bills and policy solutions to lower them in our new report, The Path to Affordable Power: Lowering bills for APCo customers. www.cleanvirginia.org/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
In Virginia
Virginia data center tax incentives nearly doubled last year, meaning the state lost out on $1B
Virginia data centers have not had to pay the commonwealth $2.7 billion in sales and use taxes over the past decade, according to a report from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
www.pilotonline.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:49 AM
In Virginia
[gift 🔗] Clean energy is cheaper, faster, better.
But that's not the solution the Admin fools want, bc they are fossil-fueled.
Data center oligarchs are pushing our grid to the limits, forcing upgrades we all pay for - Americans on average paying 11% more for electricity now than in Jan 2025.
But that's not the solution the Admin fools want, bc they are fossil-fueled.
Data center oligarchs are pushing our grid to the limits, forcing upgrades we all pay for - Americans on average paying 11% more for electricity now than in Jan 2025.
More Americans are getting their power shut off, as unpaid bills pile up
Average electricity costs have risen 11 percent since January, more than three times the rate of inflation.
wapo.st
November 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
[gift 🔗] Clean energy is cheaper, faster, better.
But that's not the solution the Admin fools want, bc they are fossil-fueled.
Data center oligarchs are pushing our grid to the limits, forcing upgrades we all pay for - Americans on average paying 11% more for electricity now than in Jan 2025.
But that's not the solution the Admin fools want, bc they are fossil-fueled.
Data center oligarchs are pushing our grid to the limits, forcing upgrades we all pay for - Americans on average paying 11% more for electricity now than in Jan 2025.
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
John McAuliff flipped Virginia’s 30th House District blue by running on climate action and data center accountability. @johnmcauliff.bsky.social told @heatmap.news “I realized the biggest energy crisis in the country was right here my backyard." heatmap.news/plus/the-fig...
This Virginia Election Was a Warning for Data Centers
John McAuliff ran his campaign almost entirely on data centers — and won.
heatmap.news
November 20, 2025 at 6:07 PM
John McAuliff flipped Virginia’s 30th House District blue by running on climate action and data center accountability. @johnmcauliff.bsky.social told @heatmap.news “I realized the biggest energy crisis in the country was right here my backyard." heatmap.news/plus/the-fig...
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
Despite META's glitzy commercials claiming how data centers benefit local economies, residents near proposed data center projects are pushing back against them finding that the cons outweigh the pros.
www.vpm.org/news/2025-11...
www.vpm.org/news/2025-11...
Residents voice opposition to Hanover data center proposal
HHHunt is looking to build on a 400-acre property currently intended for housing.
www.vpm.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Despite META's glitzy commercials claiming how data centers benefit local economies, residents near proposed data center projects are pushing back against them finding that the cons outweigh the pros.
www.vpm.org/news/2025-11...
www.vpm.org/news/2025-11...
In Virginia, we're losing our cold weather faster than our summers are heating up - science to back up what it 'feels like'.
A new Virginia Climate Assessment compiles extensive data showing how climate change is affecting different regions.
Scientists say Virginia faces three primary hazards from climate change: rising temperatures, rising tides and rising rainfall. Each has wide-ranging consequences.
Scientists say Virginia faces three primary hazards from climate change: rising temperatures, rising tides and rising rainfall. Each has wide-ranging consequences.
Virginia’s first Climate Assessment highlights how conditions are changing across the state
The report draws from years of scientific studies and data to capture the current state of climate change.
www.whro.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:25 PM
In Virginia, we're losing our cold weather faster than our summers are heating up - science to back up what it 'feels like'.
How to Lower Energy Costs: Break Up the Electrical-Grid Cabal.
"Transmission organizations should be public bodies leading the transition to an affordable, reliable, and sustainable power system, not private clubs obstructing it."
"Transmission organizations should be public bodies leading the transition to an affordable, reliable, and sustainable power system, not private clubs obstructing it."
How to Lower Energy Costs: Break Up the Electrical-Grid Cabal
Seven obscure regional transmission organizations control huge parts of the country’s electrical grid.
newrepublic.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:44 AM
How to Lower Energy Costs: Break Up the Electrical-Grid Cabal.
"Transmission organizations should be public bodies leading the transition to an affordable, reliable, and sustainable power system, not private clubs obstructing it."
"Transmission organizations should be public bodies leading the transition to an affordable, reliable, and sustainable power system, not private clubs obstructing it."
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
BREAKING: The members of @pjminterconnection.bsky.social failed to decide on a plan to deal with the surge of demand from data centers.
That leaves it up to the board to submit a plan to @ferc.gov by the end of the year.
Here's @zeitlin.bsky.social with more:
heatmap.news/energy/pjm-d...
That leaves it up to the board to submit a plan to @ferc.gov by the end of the year.
Here's @zeitlin.bsky.social with more:
heatmap.news/energy/pjm-d...
PJM Is Paralyzed by Its Data Center Dilemma
Members of the nation’s largest grid couldn’t agree on a recommendation for how to deal with the surge of incoming demand.
heatmap.news
November 19, 2025 at 11:26 PM
BREAKING: The members of @pjminterconnection.bsky.social failed to decide on a plan to deal with the surge of demand from data centers.
That leaves it up to the board to submit a plan to @ferc.gov by the end of the year.
Here's @zeitlin.bsky.social with more:
heatmap.news/energy/pjm-d...
That leaves it up to the board to submit a plan to @ferc.gov by the end of the year.
Here's @zeitlin.bsky.social with more:
heatmap.news/energy/pjm-d...
In VA, testifying in Sept case before SCC on behalf of @cleanvirginia.org , expert Mark Ellis recommended the SCC approve a market-based, lower ROE of 6.01% compared to Dominion Energy's requested increase to 10.4%.
That would translate to approx $250M annually in savings for residential customers.
That would translate to approx $250M annually in savings for residential customers.
Electricity bills have gotten crazy expensive.
But what if utilities just ... made less money?
@emilypont.bsky.social investigates:
heatmap.news/energy/calif...
But what if utilities just ... made less money?
@emilypont.bsky.social investigates:
heatmap.news/energy/calif...
What If Utilities Just Made Less Money?
California energy companies are asking for permission to take in more revenue. Consumer advocates are having none of it.
heatmap.news
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 AM
In VA, testifying in Sept case before SCC on behalf of @cleanvirginia.org , expert Mark Ellis recommended the SCC approve a market-based, lower ROE of 6.01% compared to Dominion Energy's requested increase to 10.4%.
That would translate to approx $250M annually in savings for residential customers.
That would translate to approx $250M annually in savings for residential customers.