Overview
Harold Blinderman has represented clients in the areas of environmental, energy, land use and public utilities for over 30 years. He regularly counsels and represents companies in permitting, compliance, siting, transactions and enforcement at the federal and state level. Harold regularly interacts with federal and state agencies, including the:
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
- Connecticut Siting Council
- Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Harold routinely handles environmental and energy permitting, compliance and litigation matters in such areas as the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Air Act and their companion state statutes and regulations. His practice includes advising clients regarding compliance and enforcement matters on a routine basis. His experience includes representing clients in the acquisition, development and permitting of power generating facilities, transmission infrastructure, gas storage facilities, and solar and wind resources. Harold regularly advises corporate clients on the environmental implications of commercial transactions, including Connecticut's Property Transfer Law. Harold is also actively involved in leadership positions in his field and in the community, including serving as Board Chair of Riverfront Recapture, a nonprofit organization which maintains public parks and trails along the Connecticut River.
Experience
Represented a power generation facility in connection with environmental matters associated with the operation of its facility in Connecticut including assistance with water discharge permit renewal matters, associated administrative hearings and related civil litigation and judicial appeals
Represented a natural gas pipeline operating company on environmental and siting matters relative to its operations in Connecticut
Assisted a Connecticut water company on a variety of water issues, including water withdrawal issues, water treatment processes and the discharges therefrom, and ongoing conservation and natural resource concerns regarding the use of watershed lands and water sources by the general public
Completed environmental due diligence supporting the acquisition of 30 utility scale wind and solar projects across the United States
Represented a large energy company relative to the environmental aspects of its sale of compressed natural gas stations across multiple states
Education and Credentials
Education
- Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., 1987
- Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, M.P.A., 1987
- Clark University, B.A., 1979
Admissions
- U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- State of Connecticut
Affiliations
- Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), Chair, Environmental Policies Council
- Connecticut Bar Association, Environmental and Public Utility Law Sections
- Northeast Energy and Commerce Association (NECA)
- Connecticut Power and Energy Society
Recognition and Community
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See Awards Methodology.
Recognitions
Selected as the Environmental Lawyer of the Year for the Hartford Metro Area by The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), 2023
Chosen for inclusion in the Chambers USA Legal Directory (Chambers & Partners) of recognized practitioners for Environmental in Connecticut, 2009-2024
Chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), Environmental Law, 2017-2025
Selected to the list of Connecticut Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), Environmental, 2006, 2011-2021
Community Involvement
Riverfront Recapture, Board of Directors and Chair
In The Media
Media Mention
- Best Real Estate Deals of 2021: Industrial Winners, Philadelphia Business Journal, March 31, 2022
- Massachusetts Climate Law One of Many State Environmental Actions, EHS Daily Advisor, April 22, 2021
- Air-conditioning industry scrambles in HFC ruling's wake, E&E News, August 14, 2017
- Coal Co.'s Win Won't Diminish EPA's Regulatory Clout, Law360, October 18, 2016
- EPA's 40-Year Battle For Water Cooling Regs: A Cheat Sheet, Law360, June 21, 2016
- Attorneys React To The Paris Climate Change Deal, Law360, December 14, 2015
- D.C. Circuit MATS Decision Could Disrupt EPA Plans, Bloomberg BNA, December 3, 2015
- New Power Plant Effluent Limits Too Costly, Critics Say, Bloomberg BNA, November 3, 2015
- States Fine-Tune EPA Carbon Emissions Initiative, The National Law Journal, September 29, 2015
- Companies Should Plan Ahead for Clean Power Plan, Corporate Counsel, August 5, 2015
- Renewable Energy Shoulders More Weight In Carbon Plan, Law360, August 3, 2015
- What the Supreme Court MATS ruling means for utilities and the EPA Clean Power Plan, Utility Dive, July 6, 2015
- Vigorous Debate' Expected on Mercury Rule After High Court Ruling, EPA Attorney Says, Bloomberg Law, July 1, 2015
Speaking Engagements
Publications
- Regulatory Updates: Requirements on Environmental Issues, EPA's Final 316(b) Rule on Cooling Water Intake Structures at Existing Facilities, Northeast Energy and Commerce Association, Westborough, MA, July 24, 2014
- Update on Environmental Legislative Developments: The Connecticut General Assembly's 2014 Regular Session, Day Pitney Alert, June 5, 2014