Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger has named a veteran of state government to lead the Virginia Department of Energy.
Vince Maiden, a certified professional geologist who has spent more than a quarter-century in Virginia government, including senior roles managing the commonwealth’s brownfield, transportation and energy programs, will serve as the Energy Department director, Spanberger announced Monday.
Energy issues are becoming a defining political issue in Virginia politics — and Spanberger’s governorship — as the boom in data centers, clustered more densely in northern Virginia than anywhere else in the world, spurs public concern over rising utility costs, controversial expansions of grid infrastructure and whether the system can keep up with the new electricity demand.
The appointment elevates Maiden as a key official implementing Spanberger’s energy agenda. The administration also expects him to play a role in the commonwealth’s housing and economic policies.
