RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has created a new cabinet-level position focused on lowering energy costs — and she has selected a Charlottesville attorney to fill the role.
The governor’s office announced on Wednesday, March 25, the appointment of Josephus Allmond, an attorney and advocate with experience in energy and environmental justice, to the chief energy officer position. The role was created via an executive order to combat “myriad challenges across the electricity sector” in Virginia, including a 36% rise in electricity rates over the past five years.
Per the executive order, the chief energy officer will work to keep energy affordable and ensure the commonwealth meets long-term clean energy goals through cooperation with other secretariats and departments. Other responsibilities include developing a statewide energy strategy, working with utility providers to address rising energy costs and bringing in investments into Virginia…