Virginia Appoints First Chief Energy Officer
On Wednesday, Governor Abigail Spanberger of Virginia appointed an environmental lawyer as the state’s inaugural chief energy officer.
Spanberger issued an executive order to establish this cabinet-level role in her office, selecting Josephus Almond from the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) for the position. This decision was publicized through a press release from the Virginia Governor’s Office.
Almond, who previously co-led Spanberger’s Energy Transition team, will collaborate with state agencies to shape energy policies in line with the governor’s vision.
Reflecting on his college years, Almond shared, “I felt strongly that climate change was the most pressing issue of our generation.” His profile on the SELC website emphasizes his commitment to environmental issues.
SELC lawyers have consistently opposed fossil fuel usage. Almond co-authored a document for the Virginia Conservation Network, which argues that to achieve a carbon-neutral power grid aligned with U.S. climate goals, renewable sources like wind and solar should provide 60 to 80 percent of the nation’s electricity by 2035.
He supported the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which aims for a fully carbon-free grid by 2050, noting that the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy needs to happen gradually.
SELC has received considerable donations from groups affiliated with billionaire Fred Stanback, known for funding various causes, including environmental advocacy and population control.
From 2001 to 2017, SELC was granted $175.4 million by the Carolina Foundation, where Stanback is a significant contributor. Reports suggest he has donated at least $50 million to SELC, and his family holds key positions on its Presidential Council.
Furthermore, SELC garnered $4.5 million from the Energy Foundation between 2007 and 2014, a group noted for its connections to the Chinese Communist Party.
SELC has actively supported legislation designed to undermine the coal industry and claimed victories, such as a lawsuit that led to the closure of three Duke Energy coal plants. The organization has also challenged the Trump administration, notably in a case against $5 billion cuts to electric vehicle infrastructure funding.
In 2025, when President Trump proposed changes to the Environmental Protection Agency, SELC decided to bolster its team to address the significant legal challenges ahead.
SELC also voiced opposition to a substantial budget cut proposed for the Department of Transportation, stressing the stakes involved in infrastructure funding decisions.
