Todd R. Chason, Member
Todd Chason is Gordon Feinblatt's Managing Member (Chief Operating Officer) and General Counsel.
As the leader of the firm's Environmental & Energy and member of the 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 law and government relations.
He devotes substantial time to developing solar projects in Maryland, providing permitting counsel for dozens of utility-scale solar projects with hundreds of megawatts 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 not only of 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 various clients, including merchant power generators (conventional and renewable), demand response providers, large energy users, natural gas and electricity brokers and suppliers, and utilities. 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 Coalition for Community Solar Access and utility-scale solar for the Utility-Scale Solar Energy Coalition. His energy practice also includes preparing power purchase agreements (PPAs) and related documents.
Todd regularly counsels developers, builders and other businesses seeking or operating under federal and state permits. He has guided dozens of brownfield 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. He 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 Disability Rights Maryland, 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 more than 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 renewable interests.
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 Hon. Deborah S. Eyler at the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland. He received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Baltimore 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.
Representative Matters
First solar Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) issued in state for 20-megawatt facility in Hagerstown, MD, and almost 50 solar projects over the past decade
Permitting for Keys Energy Center (730 MW natural gas facility), including CPCN and federal and state wetlands
Significant reduction in distribution rate increases on behalf of larger energy users in Baltimore
Litigating and negotiating to obtain permitting for a 160 MW power plant in Baltimore City
Honors
Named to The Best Lawyers in America®for Environmental Law, 2023 and both Environmental and Energy Regulatory Law, 2024-2025
Leadership in Law Award, The Daily Record, 2021
Selected to Maryland Super Lawyers® list for Energy & Natural Resources, Environmental and Government Relations, 2017-2019 and in Energy & Natural Resources, 2020-2024
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
News
- 28 Gordon Feinblatt Lawyers Named Best Lawyers in America® 2025
- 21 Gordon Feinblatt Attorneys Named to 2024 Super Lawyers® List and 14 as Rising Stars
- 28 Gordon Feinblatt Lawyers Named Best Lawyers in America® 2024
- 26 Gordon Feinblatt Lawyers Named Best Lawyers in America® 2023
- 17 Gordon Feinblatt Attorneys Named to 2022 Super Lawyers® List and 9 as Rising Stars
- Gordon Feinblatt Energy & Environmental Attorneys Author 2021 LexisNexis Practice Guide: Maryland Environmental Law
- 17 Gordon Feinblatt Attorneys Named to 2021 Super Lawyers® List and 7 as Rising Stars
- Jason Weintraub, Senior Legislative Counsel to Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, to Join Gordon Feinblatt LLC
- Gordon Feinblatt Elects Todd R. Chason as Managing Member (COO) and General Counsel
- 22 Gordon Feinblatt Attorneys Named to 2019 Super Lawyers®
- 24 Gordon Feinblatt Attorneys Named to 2018 Super Lawyers
- 23 Gordon Feinblatt Attorneys Named to 2017 Super Lawyers
- Todd Chason Named Chair of Gordon Feinblatt's Environmental and Energy Practice Group
- 22 Gordon Feinblatt Attorneys Named 2014 Maryland Super Lawyers
- Nine Gordon Feinblatt Lawyers Named To Maryland's Rising Stars
- Todd R. Chason Selected As Chair of the Advisory Board for Baltimore County's Department of Social Services
Professional and Civic Involvement
Chair, Air Quality Control Advisory Council (AQCAC), December 2023 - Present
Advisory Council, Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), 2023 - Present
Vice Chair, Air Quality Control Advisory Council (AQCAC), 2022 - 2023
Member, Board of Directors, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc., 2020 - Present
Appointee, Maryland Air Quality Advisory Council (AQCAC) representing Maryland Chamber, by Maryland Department of Energy Secretary, 2015
Chair, Board of the Baltimore County Department of Social Services, 2010-2012
Publications and Lectures
- Gordon Feinblatt's Energy & Environmental Attorneys Author LexisNexis Practice Guide: Maryland Environmental Law
- Public Service Commission Licensing Preempts Local Zoning for Siting of Solar Farm
- Here Comes the Sun... but It Can Get Cloudy - Development of Solar Arrays on Farmland
- Cherrywood Solar Project Public Comment Hearing in Caroline County
- Reclaiming Maryland's Solar Leadership in 2019
- LexisNexis Practice Guide: Maryland Environmental Law
- Preserving A Legacy: Is a Conservation Easement Right for Your Client?
- Dirty Real Estate Talk: Environmental Issues That Can Save or Cost You $$
- Solar Focus 2016: Maryland Fixing the SREC Market
- EmPOWER Maryland: Seeking Opportunity in Maryland's Aggressive Energy Efficiency Standard
- New Lead Paint Requirements Effective January 1, 2015
- MDE Publishes Draft Environmental Reporting Regulations
- Baltimore City Stormwater Fees Coming: Apply for Credits Now!
- EPA Endorses New Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Standard
- Maryland's 2012 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act Plan And Its Impact On The Energy Sector
- City of Baltimore Preparing to Implement New Stormwater Fee
- Retail Choice and Customer Value, Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) Fall Energy Symposium
- Relating to Real Estate Legislative Update 2012
- Environmental Liability Issues in Refinancing, Maryland State Bar Association 2011 Annual Meeting
- Ebb and Flow of Stormwater Management - Avoid Getting Swept Away
- MDE Preparing to Publish Emergency Regulations on Stormwater Management
- MDE Preparing to Publish New Environmental Reporting Regulations
- House Bill 977: Maryland's New Hazardous Substance Reporting Requirement
- Update: Status of Maryland Licensure for Electricity and Natural Gas Suppliers, Brokers and Salespersons
- Wetlands, Cirtical Areas and Development: Overcoming Permitting Challenges Through Teamwork, Mid-Atlantic Wetlands Conference
- ALERT: Electricity and Natural Gas Suppliers, Brokers and Salespersons
- ALERT: Electricity Suppliers and Salespersons
- General Assembly Passes Overhaul Of Critical Areas Act
- Special Session Ends With New Tax Laws, Slots Referendum
- Supreme Court Examines Use of Pay Decisions Outside The Limitations Period To Prove Intentional Discrimination
- Maryland Legal Alert - December 2006
- EPA Adopts All Appropriate Inquiry Regulations For Brownsfields
- Maryland Legal Alert - June 2006
- You Broke It, You Bought It! (How A Common Employment Policy May Cause Problems) DOL Issues Opinion Letter on Charging Exempt Employees for the Cost of Lost or Broken Equipment
- Choosing an Electric Supplier: A Primer
Videos and Podcasts
Links
Teams
Energy & Environmental
Government Relations
Education
J.D.,
cum laude,
University of Baltimore School of Law,
2001
B.S.,
Stevenson University,
1998
Bar Admissions
Maryland,
2001