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
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.
"The nonprofit 💚
public power company currently has a 45-megawatt fleet of batteries 💚,
almost all of which were built this year 💚.
Besides keeping the lights on 💚,
they save money for the whole customer base 💚
by lowering the utility’s peak electricity consumption💚.
We 💚🔋🔋🔋!
public power company currently has a 45-megawatt fleet of batteries 💚,
almost all of which were built this year 💚.
Besides keeping the lights on 💚,
they save money for the whole customer base 💚
by lowering the utility’s peak electricity consumption💚.
We 💚🔋🔋🔋!
Chattanooga’s small municipal utility is doing big things with batteries.
Batteries are helping Chattanooga keep the lights on — and bills low
In Tennessee, municipal utility EPB is scaling up its battery fleet in order to improve grid resilience and also shave costs for its customers.
www.canarymedia.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:35 AM
"The nonprofit 💚
public power company currently has a 45-megawatt fleet of batteries 💚,
almost all of which were built this year 💚.
Besides keeping the lights on 💚,
they save money for the whole customer base 💚
by lowering the utility’s peak electricity consumption💚.
We 💚🔋🔋🔋!
public power company currently has a 45-megawatt fleet of batteries 💚,
almost all of which were built this year 💚.
Besides keeping the lights on 💚,
they save money for the whole customer base 💚
by lowering the utility’s peak electricity consumption💚.
We 💚🔋🔋🔋!
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
How many of these new Virginia delegates can you identify? Thanks to Del.-elect Jessica Anderson for sharing these! bluevirginia.us/2025/11/wedn...
November 19, 2025 at 10:10 PM
How many of these new Virginia delegates can you identify? Thanks to Del.-elect Jessica Anderson for sharing these! bluevirginia.us/2025/11/wedn...
Look at these initial energy demand numbers from new data centers wanting to join MT grid — and then the anticipated increased load demand by these individual projects (up to 5x) by 2030.
Earthjustice leading complaint against the MT monopoly utility for moving ahead without oversight.
Earthjustice leading complaint against the MT monopoly utility for moving ahead without oversight.
The Montana Public Service Commission needs to investigate NorthWestern Energy’s actions in relation to data centers to protect existing consumers, says a complaint announced Tuesday by Earthjustice.
via @dailymontanan.com
via @dailymontanan.com
Complaint calls for investigation of NorthWestern Energy’s conduct with data centers
The Montana Public Service Commission needs to investigate NorthWestern Energy’s actions in relation to data centers to protect existing consumers, says a complaint announced Tuesday by…
www.newsfromthestates.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Look at these initial energy demand numbers from new data centers wanting to join MT grid — and then the anticipated increased load demand by these individual projects (up to 5x) by 2030.
Earthjustice leading complaint against the MT monopoly utility for moving ahead without oversight.
Earthjustice leading complaint against the MT monopoly utility for moving ahead without oversight.
We're very happy with Spanberger's selection to lead her energy policy team!
Spanberger has put together a trio of a former SCC commissioner, an SELC attorney, and an attorney with ties to the renewable energy and data center industry to head her energy policy transition. #valeg #vagov
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/s...
virginiamercury.com/2025/11/18/s...
Spanberger appoints energy policy transition team • Virginia Mercury
A former SCC commissioner, Southern Environmental Law Center lawyer, and a Google lobbyist head up the start of the policy shift
virginiamercury.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:52 PM
We're very happy with Spanberger's selection to lead her energy policy team!
"Can PJM force data centers to stop using electricity at moments when demand for power peaks?"
YES!
YES!
Can PJM force data centers to stop using electricity when power demand peaks? Trade groups say no, but a growing number of politicians and advocates say it’s essential.
Will PJM do what it takes to get data-center costs under control?
Advocates say new data centers in the biggest U.S. power market should have to stop using electricity when demand peaks to help rein in costs. Tech…
www.canarymedia.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:11 AM
"Can PJM force data centers to stop using electricity at moments when demand for power peaks?"
YES!
YES!
[gift 🔗]
Appalachia is vulnerable to our rapidly warming climate's more intense rainfall patterns.
You can't use the word climate in the WaPo now to explain it, but the story does lay out the tragic future that inaction on planning for worse flooding events will bring to the region.
Appalachia is vulnerable to our rapidly warming climate's more intense rainfall patterns.
You can't use the word climate in the WaPo now to explain it, but the story does lay out the tragic future that inaction on planning for worse flooding events will bring to the region.
Where the sky keeps bursting
A Washington Post investigation shows why much of the eastern U.S. is increasingly vulnerable to extreme rain and floods.
wapo.st
November 16, 2025 at 3:02 PM
[gift 🔗]
Appalachia is vulnerable to our rapidly warming climate's more intense rainfall patterns.
You can't use the word climate in the WaPo now to explain it, but the story does lay out the tragic future that inaction on planning for worse flooding events will bring to the region.
Appalachia is vulnerable to our rapidly warming climate's more intense rainfall patterns.
You can't use the word climate in the WaPo now to explain it, but the story does lay out the tragic future that inaction on planning for worse flooding events will bring to the region.
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
NEW: California now has nearly 17,000 megawatts of battery storage – reaching one-third of the way to our 2045 goal.
We're deploying more battery storage than any state in America, building a stronger grid, cutting pollution, and securing a safer future for our nation.
We're deploying more battery storage than any state in America, building a stronger grid, cutting pollution, and securing a safer future for our nation.
November 15, 2025 at 7:07 PM
NEW: California now has nearly 17,000 megawatts of battery storage – reaching one-third of the way to our 2045 goal.
We're deploying more battery storage than any state in America, building a stronger grid, cutting pollution, and securing a safer future for our nation.
We're deploying more battery storage than any state in America, building a stronger grid, cutting pollution, and securing a safer future for our nation.
'Virginia, the largest data center market in the world, abates nearly $1 billion in state and local sales and use tax revenue but does not disclose which companies benefit from the exemption or how much they receive.'
Cloudy Data, Costly Deals: How Poorly States Disclose Data Center Subsidies - Good Jobs First
Cloudy Data, Costly Deals: How Poorly States Disclose Data Center Subsidies - Good Jobs First
goodjobsfirst.org
November 15, 2025 at 5:38 PM
'Virginia, the largest data center market in the world, abates nearly $1 billion in state and local sales and use tax revenue but does not disclose which companies benefit from the exemption or how much they receive.'
Yes. Along with campaign finance reform to get utility influence out of policy, we need all this 👇
Electricity is too expensive. @johnffarrell.bsky.social offers three ways lawmakers can fix it.
Electricity is too expensive. Here are three ways to fix that.
Lawmakers nationwide can lower power bills by cutting utility profits, rewarding the companies for boosting efficiency, and unleashing solar and storage.
www.canarymedia.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Yes. Along with campaign finance reform to get utility influence out of policy, we need all this 👇
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
Dominion spent $15.9 million on 2025's Virginia elections. ➡️ BUT Virginians elected a pro-climate trifecta!
November 14, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Dominion spent $15.9 million on 2025's Virginia elections. ➡️ BUT Virginians elected a pro-climate trifecta!
Solar+wind+batteries is what we need, not whatever this guy is selling.
Former Gov. McAuliffe joins Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future as co-chair. The group is funded by the fossil fuel industry as a way to promote keeping gas power on the grid alongside renewable energy. #vagov #valeg
virginiamercury.com/briefs/forme...
virginiamercury.com/briefs/forme...
Former Gov. McAuliffe joins pro-natural gas group as national co-chair • Virginia Mercury
Terry McAuliffe to promote natural gas as a route to long-term energy reliability as renewable energy sources are built out.
virginiamercury.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Solar+wind+batteries is what we need, not whatever this guy is selling.
Reposted by Virginia Grassroots Coalition - Climate
"Much as granaries and refrigeration transformed food markets, storage will turn electricity from perishable to persistent, unlocking a new era of energy abundance."
Silos for Sunshine: we've mastered harvesting the sun, but storage is the gamechanger | Ember
The shift to renewables represents an agricultural revolution for energy, moving from searching and extracting scarce fuels to harvesting abundant sunlight in place.
ember-energy.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:50 PM
"Much as granaries and refrigeration transformed food markets, storage will turn electricity from perishable to persistent, unlocking a new era of energy abundance."
The Delegates-elect don't take utility money, 🎉 (nor top of ticket) BUT nobody gets more $ from our regulated monopoly utility than valeg House leader 🤔. Watch as critical committee assignments (happening today) empower those in alignment with Dominion Energy desires. 🙄
Vpap.org to follow the $
Vpap.org to follow the $
Virginia Democrats’ sweep is this Election Day’s biggest climate win. Now, they have rising bills, data centers, and a clean energy law in jeopardy to reckon with.
Virginia scored the election’s biggest climate win
The data-center capital of the world elected a Democratic governor and strengthened its House Democratic majority. Will they save its landmark clean…
www.canarymedia.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:48 PM
The Delegates-elect don't take utility money, 🎉 (nor top of ticket) BUT nobody gets more $ from our regulated monopoly utility than valeg House leader 🤔. Watch as critical committee assignments (happening today) empower those in alignment with Dominion Energy desires. 🙄
Vpap.org to follow the $
Vpap.org to follow the $