What’s Driving Virginia’s Rising Energy Costs?

Data centers now consume more than a quarter of Virginia’s electricity, driving the need for costly transmission upgrades that Virginians pay for through their monthly bills, along with billions in state tax exemptions. Dominion Energy has proposed raising the average customer’s monthly electric bill by about 15%—roughly $21 a month—within the next two years to cover surging demand and construction costs. Furthermore, to meet this skyrocketing demand for energy, Virginia is forced to keep old coal plants running and expand gas plants, leaving both residents and our climate to bear the consequences.

This Sunday, October 5, we're unpacking one of Virginia’s most pressing issues at our 9th annual Climate Crisis Forum: what the data center boom means for our bills, communities, and natural environment.

Faith & Poetry - Clergy Council Member Rev. Laura Martin

“I love eating wild blackberries straight off the vine...What do you love? Whatever and whoever we love in creation is at stake right now. John’s Gospel tells us by this, they will know that you are my disciples, that you have love for one another.” — Rev. Laura Martin, Associate Pastor, Rock Spring UCC

Listen to Rev. Laura Martin's evocatively beautiful poem asking what each one of us loves in the world and how that connects with having faith and taking climate action. We are honored to welcome her as a member of the FACS Clergy Council and look forward to the spiritual guidance, hope, and comfort that she will bring to our supporters and wider community.

Turn Your Passion into Action!

Your time and passion can create real change! We’re seeking volunteers to help us with:

✍️ Grants & Proposals – Help us secure vital funding for climate-friendly programs by crafting clear, compelling grant applications that empower local communities and drive meaningful change!

⚡ Electrifying Congregations – Support Northern Virginia congregations in electrifying their buildings and becoming more energy efficient through our Power of Faith program.

🌱 Engaging in the Community – Represent FACS at fun community events and spark meaningful conversations about climate solutions.

Whether you love engaging with people, advancing clean energy, or organizing impactful events, there’s a place for you. Fill out our interest form and get ready to take climate action!

Discussing the Proposed Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers in Arlington County

Wed | October 8 | 7 PM | Virtual

Join FACS’ Arlington Hub for a conversation with Richard Dooley, Arlington County’s Director of Climate Policy, about the proposed ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.

Wild Ones' Next Steps for Nature with Doug Tallamy

Thu | October 16 | 7 PM | Virtual

This webinar builds on Tallamy’s newest book, How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard, offering real-world solutions to the challenges people face when turning their landscapes into functional ecosystems. He addresses 500 of the most frequently asked questions about ecological landscaping. Topics include biodiversity, invasive species control, native vs. non-native plants, oak biology, monarch butterflies, urban habitat restoration, and more. 

Whether you’re wondering which plants are truly native to your region, how to reduce your lawn’s impact responsibly, or how to support pollinators and birds throughout the seasons, this session will help clarify your next steps.

Talk with Virginia State Legislators about Data Centers & Energy Issues in the Upcoming 2026 Legislative Session

Sun | October 26 | 2–4 PM | @Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling

Join FACS’ Loudoun County Hub for a discussion with Virginia State Senators Russett Perry and Kannan Srinivisan on their 2026 legislative session agenda regarding data centers, energy and environmental issues. This is an opportunity to share concerns from the community and "like to see" bills. Neither senator is running for office in the November 4th election. Contact Eric Goplerud at [email protected] for any questions.

LOUDOUN COUNTY

In September, the Loudoun Hub tabled at Rt. 7 Brewery and Leesburg Presbyterian Church’s Enviro Fair. At their monthly Hub Meeting, they welcomed Mala Persaud, Owner of Vienna’s Trace – The Zero Waste Store where she spoke about how "Sustainability Begins In Our Homes," sharing her personal story and what each individual can do in their own home for a cleaner, greener Earth.

📅 Upcoming Meeting: Join the Hub for a discussion with Virginia State Senators Russett Perry and Kannan Srinivisan on their 2026 legislative session agenda regarding data centers, energy and environmental issues on Sunday, October 26, 2–4 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling. Sign up for the “Loudoun County” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get connected and receive more information.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY (CENTRAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY)

The Central Valley Hub successfully hosted their Sustainable Farm Tour on Saturday, September 20. They toured the farm operations at Jubilee Climate Farm and Second Mountain Farm and had energetic discussions about obtaining land, labor demands, developing markets, improving soils, and value-added processing.

Sign up for the “Rockingham County (Central Shenandoah Valley)” FACS Hub’s mailing list to get connected and stay tuned to what’s happening in the Shenandoah Valley.