Charles Blumenfeld
Ranked by Chambers USA as one of “America’s Leading Environmental Lawyers" for a decade, Chuck assists his clients with environmental regulatory compliance.
Chuck Blumenfeld represents clients in permitting and enforcement matters under the federal and state Clean Water Act; Clean Air Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); and Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA). Chuck also works with clients on the siting of major facilities, such as mines and power generation projects.
Areas of focus
Education & Credentials
Education
- University of Washington, B.A., 1966
- University of Washington School of Law, J.D., 1969
Bar and Court Admissions
-
Washington
- Supreme Court of the United States
Related Employment
- University of Washington, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Executive Director of UW Alumni Association, 2007-2009
- Perkins Coie, Partner, 1999-2007
- Bogle & Gates PLLC, Seattle, WA, Associate, 1973-1978, Partner, 1978-1999
- Office of U.S. Senator Henry M. Jackson, Washington, D.C., Legislative Counsel, 1969-1972
Professional Recognition
Ranked by Chambers USA, as “America’s Leading Business Lawyers," 2005-2007; “America’s Leading Environmental Lawyers," 2010-2020
Listed in Super Lawyers Magazine, “Washington's Super Lawyers," 2001-2023
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America
Listed in Who’s Who in America
Listed in Corporate Counsel, “Best Lawyers: Environmental and Natural Resource Law," 2004-2005
Impact
Professional Leadership
- American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Environmental Law, Section Liaison, 1986-1992
- American Bar Association, Section on Environment, Energy and Resources, Member of Council, 1983-1986
- Washington State Bar Association, Executive Board, 1977-1979
Community Involvement
- University of Washington Foundation, Board of Directors, 2023-present
- University of Washington Law School Engagement Committee, 2020-present
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Board of Governors, 2009-present
- Virginia Mason Foundation Board of Directors, 2014-2019
- Alliance for Education, Board of Trustees, 2007-2010
- University of Washington Alumni Association, Board of Trustees, 1999-2006; President, 2005-2006
- University of Washington Law School Alumni Association, Board of Trustees, 1998-2004
- ACT Theatre, Board Member, 1998-2004
- Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Committee (former Chair) and Environmental Committee (former Chair)
News
Professional Experience
Environmental Litigation
Harbor Island Superfund Site
Represented shipyard in negotiation and implementation of federal Consent Decrees for the preparation of Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study and remedy implementation.
Commencement Bay Superfund Site
Represented the Port of Tacoma in the negotiation of a federal Consent Decree for the settlement of Natural Resources Damages.
Mining
Dawn Mining Company
Representation of a uranium mill regarding negotiation of radioactive materials licenses and closure plan.
Various Mining Companies
Representation of mining companies in Washington State and Alaska in obtaining and renewing permits for mine development.
Compliance & Environmental Health & Safety Audits
Alaska Seafood Processing Industry Matters
Represented the Alaska seafood industry trade association and individual companies in a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals challenge to EPA's seafood processing effluent guideline regulations. Representation of a number of seafood processors in negotiation of general and individual NPDES permits and state air permits.
Multiple Representations in Citizen Suits
Represented companies in defense of citizens suits.
Multiple Representations in Enforcement Actions Under Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA and EPCRA
Represented companies in defense of a variety of federal and state enforcement actions.
Multiple Representations in Compliance Matters
Assisted clients to ensure compliance with federal, state and local environmental requirements.
Environmental Audits
Participated in environmental audits of client facilities, operations and systems.
Energy Project Permitting & Development
Power Generation Projects
Represented power producers in obtaining permits for construction and operation of gas-fired power plants.
Due Diligence
Reviewed environmental aspects of real estate and corporate transactions, including the assessment of potential liabilities.