• Data Centers and Water Use

    The rapid expansion of server-based data management and storage, especially with the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) has spurred a major data center building boom. This growth has driven a concomitant demand for the land, electricity, and water needed for these new data centers.  


  • What is PJM? Why Does It Matter? How Can You Help?

    PJM is the regional transmission organization (RTO) for our area here in the mid-Atlantic. Originally responsible for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland (thus, PJM), it now manages the electric grid for the entire mid-Atlantic and parts of the Midwest. As explained below, PJM has enormous power over electricity rates and the availability of clean energy. 


  • 2026 DC Performance Oversight Priorities

    The DC Council holds annual Performance Oversight hearings. These hearings are an opportunity to give feedback on how DC has been protecting the environment and addressing climate change. At the hearings, you can also help shape budgetary and policy priorities moving forward.   The schedule for 2026’s hearings is available here. You can sign up to testify through…


  • Vote for Nature Forward’s 2026 Maryland General Assembly Priorities

    Maryland has been victim to the political and fiscal upheaval occurring as a result of the federal government, and that disruption means that the Maryland General Assembly is up for a tough year. We are once again in an extreme budget deficit, when so many Marylanders need the State’s support in this cost of living…


  • 2026 Virginia General Assembly Legislative Priorities

    2026 Virginia General Assembly Legislative Priorities (Updated as of 4/8/26 @ 11:47amSee updates post-General Assembly here: https://natureforward.org/2026-va-ga-wrap-up/ . . . This year’s Virginia General Assembly (a time when legislators get together to make a new set of laws) has seen a lot of change since last year. Virginia has a new governor – the first…


  • Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly will be different

    A lot has happened since the November 2025 state elections! Virginia’s General Assembly will be a bit different this year. Here’s a quick lay of the land: What else will be different? Key topics we’ll be monitoring Join us in Richmond for Lobby Days: February 4 & 9, 2026 Hop on a bus, join a…


  • Lighting the Way to a Safer DC: Shine Safely Act of 2025

    Washington, DC is taking an important step toward a healthier, more sustainable future, and your voice can help make it happen. The Shine Safely Act of 2025, introduced by Councilmember Janeese Lewis George and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau, Brooke Pinto, and Charles Allen, aims to phase out the sale and distribution of mercury-containing fluorescent…


  • Fairfax County’s Policy Plan & substation ZOA must be stronger

    Tell our Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to Strengthen Data Center Regulations! Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors will be making two important data-center-related decisions on Tuesday, December 9. They will be (1) deciding which updated Policy Plan language to approve and (2) holding a public hearing on updating the electrical substation zoning ordinance amendment. The…


  • Speak up for data center protections in Fairfax County

    Before October 30: Tell our Fairfax County Planning Commission to Strengthen Data Center Regulations! Your voice has power! Please tell our Fairfax County Planning Commissioners to protect our communities from data center impacts. The Planning Commission held two important public hearings on October 15 and 16 – both outcomes could dictate county guidelines on data…


  • Prince George’s County Deserves Professionals, Not Negligence

    On October 21, Dr. Moki was confirmed in a 8-2 vote to lead the Department of the Environment. We applaud Eric Olson (District 3) and Tom Dernoga (District 1) for their dissent. 300 emails were sent to the County Council, voicing your concerns on the confirmation of Dr. Moki. 45 residents signed up to use…