August Newsletter

Written By RVC Admin

Dear Friends, 

July was a busier month than expected for RVC. Our local boards and state officials have banked on residents being lulled into complacency with vacations and Summer relaxation. Unfortunately, we know that we cannot turn away from the invasion of current infrastructure projects or the power-hungry facilities that follow. Not only have our local leaders been complicit in the Valley Link Project, many counties are now seeing changes to their local planning ordinances that favor data center projects. When are they going to learn that we will not stop? We will not stop fighting for our land, our water, our rights, and our way of life. As we head into the Fall season, we remain vigilant and determined in that effort.

*Update on County Efforts

Campbell - The three main infrastructure projects affecting Campbell County include Valley Link South, AEP's SMR project, and AEP's substation relocation. For more information on AEP's SMR project at Joshua Falls see https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/new-reactors/advanced/who-were-working-with/pre-application-activities/apco-joshua-falls. Petitions are circulating in opposition to the Valley Link project and stopping SMRs by right. Local opposition is being organized by Shelly Evans. shellyl_evans@yahoo.com

Appomattox - 

Prince Edward - Local opposition efforts against the planned Prince Edward Data Center Mall were in full force at the Farmville courthouse on Saturday, July 18th. To view and sign the petition opposing the 280+ acre project go to https://c.org/Zv6dTYnytC. Local opposition is being organized by Greg Phipps. Gkphipps01@gmail.com

Amherst - Local data center opposition groups petitioned the board to change M1 zoning from "by right" to "special exception" for data centers.  The BOS voted to have the planning commission create an ordinance.  After weeks of working with the head of community development, the planning commission gutted some of the most important parts regarding setbacks, noise, and building height.  They voted down mandating Tier 4 generators, going with only Tier 2. They are clearly in favor of a data center, stating Amherst County needs to jump on this before Nelson County does (watch out Nelson County!). Amherst citizens asked for a temporary moratorium on data centers until the zoning is solidified, but the supervisors invoked the Dillon Rule as a reason they could not put one forth. The BOS first reading is scheduled at the Aug 4th meeting and public comment on the 18th. Local opposition is being organized by Sky Pacot. concernedcitizens24572@gmail.com 

Buckingham - Residents continue to apply pressure to the Board of Supervisors as well as the Planning Commission. At the July 27th Planning Commission meeting, the commissioners tabled the vote on a comprehensive plan amendment for utility corridors that would designate preferred routes. Despite unanimous pressure from constituents in the room, the Commission ultimately decided not to remove the Amendment as an action item and instead table it until the September 28th regular Planning Commission Meeting. Residents' position continues to be: No preferred corridors! Additionally, it has been suggested that a heavy industrial district in the County currently zoned M-2 be rezoned to a Technology Overlay District, which would grant data centers by-right use. Residents plan to pack the upcoming BOS meeting on August 10th and PC meeting on August 24th (details below) and voice opposition to both the preferred routes and the TOD Zoning District. Local opposition is being organized by RVC.

Cumberland - On July 20th, a number of Cumberland residents and supporters gathered for a meet and greet, then headed to the Planning Commission meeting. There, the Commission Chair announced that it would be moving discussion of Dominion's Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to their August 10th meeting and moving their actual vote on whether to recommend approval of the CUP to the Cumberland Board of Supervisors to August 31st. This special meeting will give the community additional time to come forward and offer any opinions and concerns before the Commission actually votes. 

Those who would like to share their opinions and concerns with the Cumberland Planning Commission members can do so at the August 10th and 31st meetings (see details below). Public comment is allowed, and a public rally is in the works for August 31st. Planning Commission members and Board of Supervisors members can be contacted directly at any time via  https://www.cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov/290/Planning-Commission and/or https://cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov/226/Board-of-Supervisors. 

It is not too early to send concerns to your representatives! Local opposition is being organized by Protect Cumberland. More information can be found on their new Facebook page @protectcumberlandva. Inquiries can be sent to protectcumberlandva@gmail.com.

Fluvanna - 

Louisa - If you missed the meeting on July 28th, Paul at Block Valley Link has put together the initial highlight reel. https://www.blockvalleylink.org/post/stop-valley-link-community-meeting-initial-highlights. Compelling stuff here. Pay special attention to Mike Regan's point to not 'concede the need.' There is no population boom in rural central Virginia that will require these projects. The power demand to which these projects respond is generated by a single industry - data centers.  

Goochland - 

Orange - 

Culpeper - This month with the help of Supervisor Payne, the Richardsville Coalition was able to get both the CCDC and CCRC to work together on a letter opposing the Valley Link project and the siting of the Yeat substation. The letter has been posted to social media and they are supposed to be signing this week.

The Culpeper Star Exponent published Kristen Borden's op-ed rebuttal to Monica Martinez's pro Valley Link piece 'Virginia's grid moment we can't afford to skip'. Unfortunately it is behind a paywall on their website, but it is also posted on the BVL facebook page. Rebutting propaganda pieces is going to be even more vital as we approach Valley Link's SCC filing, and Richardsville Coalition is continuing this important work. To know more about their efforts and support their work, visit  www.richardsvillecoalition.org. 

*Notable Local Government Meetings 

  • Tuesday, August 4th 6:00 PM Campbell County Board of Supervisors Meeting, Haberer Building, Multi-Use Room, 47 Courthouse Lane, Rustburg, VA 24588 (Public comment session on potential Comprehensive Plan Amendment addressing energy generation in its land use section)

  • Tuesday, August 4th 3:00 PM Amherst County Board of Supervisors Meeting at the County Administrators Building, Second and Washington Street in Amherst. 

  • Monday, August 10th 6:00 PM Buckingham Board of Supervisors meeting at the Buckingham County Administration Building 13380 W James Anderson Highway. Public comment sign up is 5:30-5:55pm. 

  • Tuesday, August 11th 7:00 PM Prince Edward Board of Supervisors Room, County Courthouse, 111 N. South Street, Third Floor, Farmville

  • Tuesday, August 18th 7:00 PM Amherst County Board of Supervisors Meeting at the County Administrators Building, Second and Washington Street in Amherst with public comment.

  • Monday August 24th 7:00 PM Campbell County Planning Commission Meeting, Haberer Building, Multi-Use Room, 47 Courthouse Lane, Rustburg, VA 24588

  • Monday August 24th 6:00 PM Buckingham Planning Commission Meeting at the Buckingham County Administration Building 13380 W James Anderson Highway. Public comment sign up is 5:30-5:55pm. 

  • Friday, August 28th 8:00 AM Prince Edward Industrial Development Authority, Board of Supervisors Room at the County Courthouse, 111 South Street, Third Floor, Farmville

  • Monday, August 31st 6:30 PM Cumberland Planning Commission Hearing, Cumberland Middle School, 16 School Rd, Cumberland, VA 23040 (Public Hearing on Dominion Energy's Condition Use Permit Application)

  • Wednesday, September 2nd Cumberland Board of Supervisors requests to set this date for public hearing on CUP 26-03 *this is a tentative date; no other details at this time*

*Community Meetings

  • Buckingham: Saturday, August 8th 3:30-5:00p at Virginia Cooperative Extension/Ag Building (54 Administration Lane, Buckingham). 

Confirmed Guest Speaker: Tom Periello. Invited Guest Speaker: John McGuire.

  • Price Edward: Thursday, August 27th 6:00 PM - Data Center Project Information Meeting, Prince Edward County High School 35 Eagle Drive Farmville. This is not hosted by community members, but by AVAIO Digital regarding the proposed HIT Park Data Center Project Pegasus. Resident must submit questions for the Q&A ahead of time, by August 25th, to hitpark@co.prince-edward.va.us. 

  • Culpeper: Saturday, August 8th Richardsville Coalition presents to the CCDC regarding local efforts.

Thursday, August 13th Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Parade walking with Payne Hay. Brandy Station Fairgrounds, 20057 Fleetwood Heights Rd Brandy Station.

Wednesday, August 19th Richardsville Coalition presents to the Farm Bureau regarding overall project and local efforts.

TBD - August General Richardsville Coalition Meeting, 29361 Elys Ford Rd Richardsville

*Fundraiser Events

  • RVC - Sunday, August 2nd 1-5pm Three Notch'd Brewery Fundraising & Outreach event (520 2nd St. SE IX Art Park in Charlottesville)

  • RVC - Friday, August 21st 4-7pm Kardinal Hall Fundraising & Outreach event (722 Preston Ave #101, Charlottesville, VA 22903) *tentative*

*Outreach Events

Media Campaigns

Some Newsworthy News

Mark your calendars, folks! Hope to see you soon.

*If your County or group does not have updates but you'd like to see one in the next newsletter, please feel free to provide those details by the 24th of each month. Similarly, if you see any typos in this newsletter, good eye! Please let us know if you would like to help edit future newsletters. Communications regarding this newsletter and updates should be sent to info@imteamhuman.org. 

_______________________________________________________________

A word from RVC President, Amy Crawford:

Valley Link has reminded us that Rural Virginia's greatest resource is the people who call it home. Our determination, perseverance, grit, and unity will continue to drive this effort forward as we stand up for property rights, local communities, and the rural lands we cherish.

_______________________________________________________________

In solidarity,

Rural Virginia Coalition

RVC Admin https://www.ruralvirginiacoalition.org
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