Bio

M. Benjamin Cowan has a broad-based environmental law practice with a particular focus on wildlife and natural resource issues. Ben works with clients from all industries, but as Chair of the Firm's Renewable Energy Section, he serves as national environmental counsel to several of the largest renewable energy development companies in the United States. Ben counsels clients in complex permitting matters under federal and state wildlife statutes, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) as well other environmental liability concerns in connection with project financing and operational issues. Ben is particularly sought after for his creative but pragmatic approach to difficult project siting issues facing the renewables industry. He has developed solutions to many difficult legal and policy issues under the ESA that enabled his clients to obtain key permits on favorable terms. His contributions to major regional permitting initiatives led to his selection by the National Law Journal as an Energy and Environmental Law Trailblazer. In addition to his renewable energy work, Ben maintains an active practice involving a wide range of environmental issues for clients in the traditional energy, industrial and real estate sectors. He frequently advises clients in environmental compliance and permitting matters, contaminated site remediation and Brownfields redevelopment, and civil and criminal enforcement defense. Additionally, he brings the legal and practical insights gained over 20 years of practice in these areas to advise clients on the effective allocation and management of environmental risk and liabilities in mergers and acquisitions and other commercial transactions.