Clients often call upon me on their worst days. I welcome the opportunity to tackle their problems and make the next day better. I help clients achieve business objectives and navigate regulatory barriers.
Leadership in Law Award, The Daily Record, 2021
Selected to Maryland Super Lawyers list for Energy & Natural Resources, Environmental and Government Relations since 2017
Selected to Rising Stars of Maryland Super Lawyers list for Energy & Natural Resources, Environmental and Government Relations, 2010-2016
Recipient, Outstanding Professional Services Award, Fuel Fund of Maryland for the contribution of legal services, June 2011
Young Alumni of the Year, Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University), 2006
Todd Chason is Gordon Feinblatt's Managing Member (Chief Operating Officer) and General Counsel.
As a member of the firm's Environmental & Energy and Government Relations Practice Groups, Todd works with clients to develop and execute strategies designed to achieve energy and environmental business objectives, often involving a combined approach incorporating both law and government relations.
Todd devotes substantial time to developing solar projects in Maryland, providing permitting counsel for dozens of utility-scale solar projects with hundreds of MWs of capacity. Many of these projects have progressed through Maryland's Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) process, though Todd has also handled CPCN-exempt, community solar and distributed generation projects. These projects take advantage of not only his energy experience but also his knowledge of environmental and natural resource issues.
As Maryland's solar industry has evolved, so has Todd's practice. Since the adoption of Maryland's community solar pilot program, he has worked with dozens of clients navigating the program's promises and challenges. This has included Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) requests for waivers or clarification of various aspects to understanding subscription sales and documentation.
Todd frequently appears before the PSC for a variety of clients, including merchant power generators (conventional and renewable), demand response providers, large energy users, natural gas and electricity brokers and suppliers, utilities and interests in the taxicab industry. He has provided testimony on behalf of merchant generators during various electric supply adequacy proceedings and has obtained electricity and natural gas supplier licenses on behalf of multiple clients. He often participates in PSC rulemakings, including community solar on behalf of the Coalitin for Community Solar Access and utility scale solar for the Utility-Scale Solar Energy Coalition. His energy practice also includes preparing power purchase agreements and related documents.
Todd regularly counsels developers, builders and other businesses seeking or operating under federal and state permits. He has guided dozens of Brownfields properties through the Maryland Department of the Environment's Voluntary Cleanup Program, ranging from small parcels with dry cleaning issues to golf courses to large former industrial sites, and variously sized projects in between. Todd is also experienced in handling natural resources issues, including wetlands, Chesapeake Bay Critical Area and stormwater management. Todd has represented property owners and inspectors in lead paint enforcement actions, providing compliance counseling and negotiating favorable resolutions with the Maryland Department of the Environment. Todd also represents referrals from the Maryland Disability Law Center on special education issues.
Achieving energy or environmental goals frequently requires counsel familiar with key Maryland officials within executive branch agencies and the legislature. Todd has spent almost 20 years developing these relationships and the legal expertise needed to resolve complicated issues. During Maryland's General Assembly session, Todd lobbies on energy and environmental legislation for clients, including the Maryland Industrial Technology Alliance, the Maryland Energy Group, merchant power generators, renewables interests and real estate developers.
Because of his extensive legal background, Todd is a contributing author to the LexisNexis Practice Guide: Maryland Environmental Law.
Todd lives in northern Baltimore County with his wife, three kids and annoying golden retriever who collectively usurp almost all of his "free" time. He is helping his kids fulfill their duck farming dreams. He also loves to run and tries to golf, and when the weather doesn't cooperate, he builds in his barn.
Before joining Gordon Feinblatt, Todd clerked for the Honorable Deborah S. Eyler at the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland. He received his J.D., cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Stevenson University. While at the University of Baltimore, he served as the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Environmental Law.