Data Center Power & Costs: Virginia’s SCC is pushing Dominion to directly assign some transmission costs to data centers, a move that could reshape who pays for “direct connect” lines and how large-load customers are billed. Local Opposition to New Power Projects: A Richardsville-area letter says the Valley Link proposal would bring noise, forest loss, impacts to wells and wildlife, and rural residents’ concerns are being dismissed—while the piece argues the benefits aren’t landing where demand is. Storms & Grid Strain: Severe storms knocked out power across the region and beyond, including a Detroit-area tornado that left hundreds of thousands without electricity, underscoring how aging grids struggle during extreme weather. Wildlife Conservation: A Virginia Piedmont initiative is using kestrel nesting boxes and camera monitoring as American kestrel numbers have dropped sharply. Federal Land Protections: The USDA proposed fully rescinding the Roadless Rule, which would affect roadless areas in Virginia’s George Washington and Jefferson National Forests; public comments run until Sept. 21. PFAS/Water Policy: Virginia’s attorney general and allies are pressing for action on mail-in voting rules while other coverage highlights growing scrutiny of PFAS and microplastics monitoring in drinking water.