The Fairfax Democrat brings decades of environmental planning and Chesapeake Bay policy experience to a top role in Spanberger’s cabinet.

Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger moved Thursday to elevate one of the General Assembly’s most seasoned environmental lawmakers, selecting Del. David Bulova, D-Fairfax, to lead Virginia’s natural and historic resources portfolio when she takes office next month.

Spanberger said Bulova’s decades in environmental planning and his legislative work on water quality, Chesapeake Bay cleanup and conservation policy make him well suited to steer the administration’s efforts on climate resilience, preservation and land stewardship. In announcing the choice, she framed the appointment as central to her agenda.

“From the wonders of the Shenandoah Valley to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia’s natural resources, public lands, and historic sites define our commonwealth,” Spanberger said.

In his role as Virginia’s next secretary of natural and historic resources, Bulova will “bring decades of experience to our efforts to strengthen our commonwealth’s conservation, resilience, and preservation efforts.”

A 19-year House veteran whose district includes the city of Fairfax and parts of Fairfax County, Bulova, 56, said he was “deeply honored” and said his long record on clean water and conservation have prepared him for the role.