Charles is an assertive advocate who provides clients with sound, practical counseling and approaches matters with a thorough understanding of the scientific, economic, and governmental implications. He counsels clients of all sizes in the agri-business, mining, industrial, maritime, development, and energy industries on matters involving business and project development in Maryland and Delaware. He interacts frequently with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Maryland Department of Environment; Department of Natural Resources; Board of Public Works; Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Queen Anne's, Charles, Cecil, and Harford counties; and Annapolis city government, and is deeply familiar with the laws and regulations related to the environment, natural resources, and land use around the Chesapeake Bay region.
As a skilled litigator, Charles represents clients in federal and state courts, and handles permitting matters and enforcement actions before federal, state, and local administrative agencies in areas such as hazardous waste, water pollution, and land development. He also has extensive experience in securing regulatory authorizations for projects involving energy development, air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid waste, hazardous waste, air, endangered species, and tidal and non-tidal wetlands.
Charles also advises real estate and business clients on regulatory compliance and environmental matters regarding issues such as land use and zoning, shifting abatement responsibilities and transactional due diligence. He maintains a deep and up-to-date knowledge of wetland-related laws, and handles the interplay between local, state, and federal jurisdictions. In addition, Charles counsels clients on the development of electric power generating stations, including approvals related to air permitting, certificates of public convenience and necessity, water discharge, and oil and hazardous waste.