Todd R. Chason, Member

Clients often call upon me on their worst days. I welcome the opportunity to tackle their problems and make the next day better.

Todd helps clients achieve business objectives and navigate regulatory barriers.

Contact

tchason@gfrlaw.com
410-576-4069
443-255-1313 (mobile)

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

A reported decision by the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland that resulted in a refund of $7.5 million to large commercial and industrial electricity customers

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

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

Videos and Podcasts

Contact

tchason@gfrlaw.com
410-576-4069
443-255-1313 (mobile)

vCard

Links

LinkedIn
Twitter

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