Lunch and Learn Virtual Series-"Meet your new neighbor! When Google moves to town"
2026-08-23 11:19 (America/New_York) | Virtual, On Zoom
This panel hosted by Falls of the James Group Sierra Club and Environmental Health Sciences highlights community concerns when Google moves into your neighborhood. Panelists will draw from Google’s Project Peanut, Skye, Loch and Raspberry sites from central and southwest Virginia.
Mary Finley-Brook, University of Richmond (and Data Center Transparency Coalition) will address patterns with finance, energy, water and pollution surrounding Google data centers nationally as well as comparatively at these four proposed sites in Central Virginia. Katherine McMahon, Environmental Health Sciences (and Data Center Transparency Coalition), will describe her recent discovery along with neighbors of how her neighborhood is 1 mile from at least one data center and within 5 miles of two Google data center campuses. Julie Bivins, Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance, shares the experiences of Roanoke residents and those in surrounding areas of Project Raspberry. Melinda Lewis, Friends of Chesterfield (and Data Center Transparency Coalition), discusses the reliance of data centers on fossil fuels, and how Google’s Project Peanut is trying to take advantage of the proposed construction of the highly contested Chesterfield Gas-fired Peaker Plant. Google’s reliance on fossil fuels has created threat to Virginia’s Clean Economy Act in spite of Google’s promotion of a wind and advance nuclear development near Projects Raspberry and Peanut respectively. Panelists will take questions from the audience during a moderated Q&A.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://sierraclub.zoom.us/…/WN_1b-gFvhmSvS6Xchc0yce2A
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Mary Finley-Brook, PhD
Professor of Geography, Environment and Sustainability at the University of Richmond, where she has taught since 2006. Finley-Brook is co-author of the textbook Climate Crisis, Energy Violence with Academic Press (2024). Her current research addresses cloud geographies with particular attention to energy, water, ethics and risk (see related work here).
Katherine McMahon Bio:
Katherine is a program manager for Environmental Health Sciences and a lifelong Chesterfield resident.
Melinda Lewis
Melinda is an attorney in Chesterfield County who volunteers with Friends of Chesterfield. She was deeply involved in the fight against Dominion’s Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center. She previously worked for Dominion as in house counsel and has also practiced in other highly regulated industries.
Julie Bivins
Julie lives in Roanoke and created the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance with other locals after Project Raspberry in Botetourt County was announced in June 2025. Julie’s background is in social work, and this is her first experience in community organizing. https://swvadcta.org/
Aileen Rivera – moderator
Falls of the James Group Sierra Club- excomm member. 30 + years community activist. Advocate for data center regulation in Henrico County. Advocate against Dominion’s Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center. Falls of the James Group | Sierra Club

Primitive Technology Day
2026-04-18 11:00 - 15:00 | 84 Lee Wayside Road, 84 Lee Wayside Road, Buckingham, VA, 23921, United States
The annual Primitive Technology Day in Buckingham, VA is coming up on Saturday, April 18th from 11am to 3pm. This is an artifact show for our more southern residing members. It will be held at The Historic Village at Lee Wayside on Route 60.
Friends Of buckingam will be tabling at this event.

Buckingham County Board of Supervisors
2026-04-20 18:00 - 20:00
This meeting is open to the General Public and can also be viewed from the following link: https://youtube.com/live/_XOWk8q9YQk?feature=share

Eminent Domain Attorney To Host Community Education Meeting
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Orange County, 201 Selma Road, Orange, 22960, United States

Dr. Carter G. Woodson Celebration
2026-05-02 11:00 - 16:00
Food, Exhibits, Vendors, Dance, Music and more!

NO Valley Link Community Meeting in Buckingham County
2026-05-07 17:30 - 19:00 | Virginia Cooperative Extension Building (AKA: Ag Building), 54 Administration Lane, Buckingham, 23921, United States
The Meeting is a NO Valley Link Community Meeting.
ALL are welcome. This is not restricted to Buckingham residents.
When: Thursday. May 7th, 2026 5:30-7:00 PM Where: Virginia Cooperative Extension Building (AKA: Ag Building) 54 Administration Lane Buckingham, VA 23921.
This meeting will be a hybrid, with both in-person and virtual options.
To join the Zoom room remotely at the time of the meeting, go to
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85485678090?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 854 8567 8090
Passcode: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,85485678090#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US (Houston)
+12532050468,,85485678090#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US
Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/85485678090/invitations?signature=GLOaaDaPyrABcr-MIUY6Dju5gUDHQ75Q7i0vsHyqB0E

Mayfest 2026 - Buckingham County Day
2026-05-09 10:00 - 14:00
Bbq, Fish Fry Dinners, Hot Dogs, Vendors, Exhibits, and more!!
VA250 Celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
1776-2026​

Eminent Domain Meetings
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Appomattox County Community Center, 220 Community Lane, 220 Community Lane, Appomattox County, VA, United States
Eminent Domain Meetings
Appomattox May 14th 6-8 PM Appomattox County Community Center, 220 Community Lane

Eminent Domain Meeting
2026-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Waldo & Lyle, Fluvanna - Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Palmyra, 23510, United States
Fluvanna May 29th, 6-8 PM Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, located at 4309 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra, VA.
Waldo & Lyle, a leading Virginia property rights law firm, is hosting a free educational community meeting to discuss the proposed Valley Link transmission line, eminent domain, and property owners’ rights under Virginia law. The event will cover key topics, including:

Your rights regarding requested surveys and access to your property
Evaluating compensation offers
Practical steps to protect your land and maximize your legal protections in the event of eminent domain proceedings

“When we’re done, the audience will know more about property rights and eminent domain in Virginia than 99% of the attorneys,” said a representative of the firm. This is a free, non-partisan educational event open to all affected property owners and interested community members.
When: Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.Where: Fluvanna - Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, located at 4309 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra, VA
RSVP: Please email Donna Elliott at dre@waldoandlyle.com to reserve your seat. When you send your email to reserve a seat, please include your full name, the property address or GPIN for your property that will be affected by the project, and your mailing address. They will be checking registrations at the door.
Waldo & Lyle’s reputation in eminent domain and property rights matters is well established. The firm was recommended without hesitation by a retired federal judge who presided over numerous cases in which Waldo & Lyle represented landowners—advice that came directly from an affected Orange County attorney and landowner.
If the Valley Link project is approved by the State Corporation Commission and proceeds with eminent domain, property owners who understand their rights and the proper process will be best positioned to protect their interests. This meeting is designed to provide that essential knowledge.
Disclaimer: This event information is being shared solely for educational and community informational purposes. Sharing or reposting this notice does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or sponsorship of Waldo & Lyle, its attorneys, services, or legal strategies. Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted as legal advice or as a recommendation that attendees retain this law firm or any particular attorney. Individuals are encouraged to independently evaluate their legal options and consult counsel of their choosing regarding their specific circumstances.

NO Valley Link Community Meeting
2026-05-30 15:30 - 17:00 | Virginia Cooperative Extension Building (AKA: Ag Building), 54 Administration Lane, Buckingham, 23921, United States
Our next Buckingham NO Valley Link Community Meeting is scheduled for Saturday May 30th 3:30-5:00 PM at the Ag Building/Virginia Cooperative Extension Office. 54 Administration Lane Buckingham, VA 23921. Please see the end of this for Zoom link.
I’ve attached some information about Dominion Energy campaign contributions and slides from a Piedmont Environmental Council Presentation from a May 7th Community Meeting in Louisa.
The agenda for our May 30th is fluid. Seems like things change on the daily. Here is a rough draft of the agenda items – subject to change. I will likely adjust the order of topics. If you would like to add something, please let me know. The agenda topics in italics may drop off if more pressing topic present themselves or if we can’t fit everything into our 90 minutes together.

Next Round of VL Open Houses: Discussion on whether or not to attend/encourage attendance. (VL uses attendance numbers to bolster their case to the SCC. We will not get any honest answers from them.)
Valley Link: New routes dropped 5/27. Discuss. Provide Info. There will be other route changes.
Update on Buckingham BoS engagement (Petition action items and Resolution)
Culpeper BoS Meeting (5/19) with Valley Link – Discussion on Yeat Substation
Waldo & Lyle Eminent Domain Meeting in Appomattox (5/14)
We need a BoS liaison to support advancing the petition action items and Resolution actions
Cumberland gas power plant update (Tentative)
Action Groups (Sign up and ID Team Lead)

Canvassing/Outreach
Fundraising
Media/Social Media
Historical sites
Environmental concerns
Buckingham’s Comprehensive Plan
Attending BoS & Planning Commission Meetings

Zoom Link Information:
Amy Crawford is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Buckingham NO Valley Link Community Meeting
Time: May 30, 2026 03:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/87808368588

Meeting chat link
https://us05web.zoom.us/launch/jc/87808368588

Meeting ID: 878 0836 8588

Join instructions
https://us05web.zoom.us/meetings/87808368588/invitations?signature=QuhJuKVgf9OI-FRBS1DvBy1TeQGwbGstuJSW5Std8OI
Looking forward to seeing y’all on Saturday!!
In solidarity,
Amy

Valley Link's Virtual Community Meeting
2026-06-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual, On Zoom
Valley Link’s Virtual Community Meeting, 12:00-1:00pm Wednesday, June 10.

Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) public hearing for Riverstone Solar
2026-06-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Buckingham County Administration Building, Buckingham County Administration Building, Peter Francisco Meeting Room, 13380 W James Anderson Highway VA 23921, Buckingham, VA, 23921, United States
YOUR PRESENCE IS NEEDED: ATTEND THE JUNE 11 BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS (BZA) PUBLIC HEARING FOR RIVERSTONE SOLAR
Buckingham County residents and landowners are called on to attend a critical Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) hearing on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. concerning the Riverstone Solar project and the validity of its Special Use Permit (SUP22-SUP299).
This hearing will determine whether County officials improperly allowed the project to continue after the developer failed to meet a major deadline required by the permit approved in 2022.
THE CORE ISSUE
Condition 4 of the Special Use Permit required Riverstone Solar to submit a building permit application within two years of approval — by February 28, 2024 — or the permit would become “null and void.”
According to the appeal filed with the BZA:
• Riverstone did not submit the required building permit application by the deadline.
• No lawful extension was granted before the permit expired.
• After the deadline passed, County officials claimed the permit was automatically extended under a Virginia law tied to COVID-era relief.
• Appellants argue that law does not apply because the Riverstone permit did not exist in July 2020 — a requirement specifically written into the statute.
Citizens are asking a simple question:
If ordinary residents are expected to follow deadlines and County rules, why should a large corporate solar developer be treated differently?
WHY COMMUNITY ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Residents have spent more than two years raising concerns, submitting public comments, attending Board meetings, and demanding independent review and accountability. This hearing is the public’s opportunity to witness the process firsthand and show that Buckingham citizens are paying attention.
This is about more than one solar project. It is about:
• Equal enforcement of the law
• Government transparency
• Accountability from County officials
• Protection of public trust
• Whether permit conditions actually mean anything regardless of who the applicant is.
Public presence matters. A full room sends a message that the community expects fairness, openness, and adherence to the law — regardless of who the applicant is.
HEARING INFORMATION
Thursday, June 11, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Buckingham County Administration Building
Peter Francisco Meeting Room
13380 W. James Anderson Highway
Buckingham, VA 23921
Please attend, stay informed, and stand for transparent government and accountable decision-making in Buckingham County.

Valley Link’s Community Open House for Buckingham County - CANCELED DUE TO MEASLES OUTBREAK
2026-06-18 15:30 - 19:30
After careful consideration and coordination with the Virginia Department of Health, Valley Link has decided to postpone our upcoming open house on June 18th. The recent measles outbreak in Buckingham County makes the large gathering a health risk.
Leslie T. Johnson, Manager-Corporate Safety & Health Services at Dominion Energy:
“Although the risk of measles transmission remains extremely low within vaccinated populations, the health and safety of our employees, contractors, customers, and the communities we serve are guided by our first core value: Safety. Exercising an abundance of caution at this time in the most prudent course of action.”
Valley Link is still eager to discuss recent route refinements to the Joshua Falls to Yeat transmission project with Buckingham residents. We will share our plans for another public engagement opportunity soon. For more info and project updates on Joshua Falls to Yeat please go to: vltransmission.com/joshua-falls-to-yeat/

Buckingham Planning Commission
2026-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Buckingham County Administration Building, Buckingham County Administration Building, Peter Francisco Meeting Room, 13380 W James Anderson Highway VA 23921, Buckingham, VA, 23921, United States
June 22 is the planning Commission hearing on the comp plan amendment. Then they do or dont make changes based on public input. Then it goes to BoS for their July meeting. With a goal of final approval by August BoS meeting. Contact Nicci Edmondston, nedmondston@buckinghamcounty.virginia.gov, in the County Zoning Department, for a copy. Public comment will be taken.
Sign up tat 5:30 pm to speak.

America 250 - Buckingham County Celebrates
2026-06-27 11:00 - 14:00
Buckingham County is hosting its “America 250” celebration on Saturday, June 27, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM on the Historic Courthouse Square. The family-friendly event features live music, historical displays, and community festivities to commemorate the nation’s and the county’s revolutionary history.
Event Highlights:

Date & Time: Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Location: Buckingham County Courthouse Square.
Activities: Expected to include colonial demonstrations, period reenactors, music, and community exhibits.

For details: https://www.buckinghamchamberofcommerce.com/calendar-of-events

Rural Virginia Coalition Buckingham meeting
2026-07-11 15:30 - 17:00 | Buckingham County Administration Building, Buckingham County Administration Building, Peter Francisco Meeting Room, 13380 W James Anderson Highway VA 23921, Buckingham, VA, 23921, United States
BUCKINGHAM COUNTY NO VALLEY LINK COMMUNITY MEETING / RURAL VIRGINIA COALITION (RVC) COMMUNITY MEETING (all counties invited to attend)
WHEN: Saturday, July 11
TIME: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
WHERE: Virginia Cooperative Extension/Ag Building at 54 Administration Lane, Dillwyn, VA
Can't make it in person? You can still participate virtually via Zoom!
Email admin@imteamhuman.org for Zoom links.
Hope to see you!
The meeting is open to ALL concerned residents in Buckingham County and beyond.
Hybrid. Meet in person or online.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86964403852?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 869 6440 3852
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Board of Supervisors Meeting
2026-07-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Buckingham County Administration Building, Buckingham County Administration Building, Peter Francisco Meeting Room, 13380 W James Anderson Highway VA 23921, Buckingham, VA, 23921, United States
Arrive between 5:30pm and 5:55pm to signup to speak at this monthly meeting of the Buckingham County Board of Supervisors.

Work Session Planning Commission
2026-07-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Buckingham County Administration Building, Buckingham County Administration Building, Peter Francisco Meeting Room, 13380 W James Anderson Highway VA 23921, Buckingham, VA, 23921, United States
The Buckingham County Planning Commission scheduled a special work session for July 20, 2026. The meeting will be held at 7:00 PM at the Buckingham County Administration Building located at 13380 W James Anderson Highway, Buckingham, VA. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The primary purpose of this work session is to study the impacts of utility corridors on conservation and easements, particularly following public opposition to proposed comprehensive plan amendments regarding electric transmission infrastructure. [1]

For further verification of the schedule and to review agenda packets closer to the date, you can check the official Buckingham County Planning Commission page.

Town Hall Regarding Draft of Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process Guidance
2026-07-22 18:00 - 21:00 | J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, 1651 E. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA, 23228, United States
DEQ Invites the Public to Attend the July 22 Town Hall Regarding Draft of Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process Guidance
DEQ is developing an updated draft of the Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process Guidance and is hosting an in-person town hall meeting to discuss the development of the guidance document with the public. Any member of the public is welcome to attend and provide feedback on the draft guidance.
The town hall will focus on community feedback regarding the two key topics, to help inform DEQ’s development of the updated guidance:
How to assess the cumulative impacts of certain DEQ issued permits; and
Recommended outreach strategies to engage communities impacted by such permits.
DEQ will post the draft guidance as soon as it becomes available. The town hall meeting details are provided below.
Town Hall Meeting Date/Time:
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Town Hall Meeting Location:
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
1651 E. Parham Rd.
Richmond, VA 23228
Lipman Auditorium (located in the Massey Library Technology Center)
Campus Map
Visit DEQ’s Environmental Justice webpage for updates.

Planning Commission Meeting
2026-07-27 18:00 - 20:00
The next Buckingham County Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2026. Regular public sessions are consistently held at 6:00 p.m. in the Peter Francisco Auditorium of the Buckingham County Administration Building. [1, 2, 3]
You can find official agendas, meeting packets, and past session recordings by visiting the Buckingham County Planning Commission and checking the main Buckingham County Calendar.

Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process Guidance, Meeting #2
2026-07-29 18:00 - 21:00 | DEQ Tidewater Regional Office, 5636 Southern Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, United States
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) invites the public to our second in-person town hall meeting to discuss the draft “Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process Guidance.” DEQ is updating this draft guidance, and it is currently under review. We will make it available to the public once it is ready. DEQ’s Virginia Regulatory Town Hall notice for the second public town hall meeting is available here (a copy is attached). Below are the second town hall meeting’s details:
Town Hall Date/Time: July 29, 2026; 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: DEQ Tidewater Regional Office
5636 Southern Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462
During the town hall, DEQ wants to hear from the public regarding the following two topics:
how to assess the cumulative impacts of DEQ-issued permits; and
what are recommended outreach strategies to engage communities impacted by such permits.
Visit DEQ’s Environmental Justice Permitting Guidance webpage https://www.deq.virginia.gov/news-info/environmental-justice/environmental-justice-permitting-guidance for updates.

DEQ Virtual Public Town Hall Meeting
2026-08-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Virtual, On Zoom
DEQ is preparing an updated draft of the Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process Guidance Memo, and is hosting a virtual town hall meeting on August 6 to discuss the development of the guidance document with the public. The first public town hall was held in Richmond on July 22, followed by second town hall meeting in Virginia Beach on July 29. Both of the July meetings were in-person. The July 29 meeting included a livestream option and was recorded.
The virtual town hall will be held on Thursday, August 6. The public can register using the link provided below. When registering, you can sign up to provide suggestions during the town hall meeting.
The town hall will focus on community feedback regarding two key topics to help inform DEQ’s development of the updated guidance:
How to assess the cumulative impacts of certain DEQ-issued permits; and
Recommended outreach strategies to engage communities impacted by such permits.
The presentation will begin at 6 p.m., followed by suggestions from the virtual meeting participants.
DEQ will post the draft guidance as soon as it becomes available. The August 6 town hall meeting details are provided below.
Town Hall Meeting Date/Time:
August 6, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Register for the virtual Town Hall Meeting
View the notice for this town hall meeting on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website.
Visit DEQ’s Environmental Justice Permitting Guidance webpage for updates, including the public town hall meeting presentation slides, and a fact sheet providing an overview of the Virginia Environmental Justice Act and 2026 House Bill 1266. A recording of the July 29 town hall livestream is available on YouTube.
For questions about the draft guidance, contact Danielle Simms / Office of Environmental Justice Program Manager. Danielle.Simms@deq.virginia.gov | 804-914-3508
For questions about the virtual town hall, contact Gwen McCrea / Public Participation Coordinator. Gwendolin.McCrea@deq.virginia.gov | 804-914-3509
For technical assistance during the virtual town hall, contact Kate Miller / Public Outreach Coordinator. Kathryn.Miller@deq.virginia.gov | 804-486-0492
Best,
Danielle Simms
Environmental Justice Program Manager
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
1111 East Main St., Suite 1400
Richmond, VA 23219
Cell Phone: (804) 914-3508
