Biography

Mat works closely with clients to solve complex regulatory matters. When necessary, he also defends clients facing inspections or enforcement proceedings.

Mat's experience and passion for his work have translated into a strong record of success in defending clients in enforcement proceedings specifically concerning federal regulatory matters. Mat defends and negotiates on behalf of his clients under statutes such as the Clean Water Act, EPCRA, and FIFRA, and with a particular focus on Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. He also represents clients in complex, multi-party CERCLA matters for sites listed on EPA's National Priorities List.

Mat routinely advises clients facing an array of regulatory compliance challenges involving the ever-changing landscape of chemical regulation including PFAS, private and agency-supervised environmental remediations, and product labeling including California's Proposition 65. Mat works closely with clients engaged in wastewater treatment and waste disposal to secure federal and state permits and to develop creative and innovative legal and policy solutions. Mat also assists clients with OSHA compliance and defense, focusing on the development of comprehensive and effective Environment, Health, and Safety programs.

In all aspects of his work, while serving as outside counsel, Mat prides himself on becoming a dedicated and integrated member of his clients' teams, much like a devoted inside counsel.

Mat's experience includes clerkships with the U.S. Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division and the Office of General Counsel within the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. During law school, he was awarded an honors certification in environmental law, selected as a Rappaport Fellow, and elected President of the Environmental Law Society. Prior to law school, Mat was the International Policy Director for one of the nation's largest environmental policy networks, working directly with members of the U.S. State Department and Congress on the issue of climate change. Following two years with Teach For America, for a "break," Mat rode his bicycle across the country in 52 days—Seattle to Maine, to be exact.

In the rare moments when Mat is not at his desk or at a client's facility, he and his wife spend every moment possible enjoying their two incredible children.

Services/Industries

Education

  • Boston College Law School  (J.D.)
  • The George Washington University  (B.A., magna cum laude)

Public Service

  • Teach For America – ENC – 2004

Bar Admissions

  • Connecticut
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire

Memberships

  • American Bar Association: Section on Environment, Energy and Resources
    • Select roles within section:
      • Co-chair: National Enforcement Conference, Washington, D.C. (fall 2019)
      • Planning Committee: Fall Conference, Nashville, Tennessee (fall 2020)
      • Leadership Development Program (2016)

Honors

  • Recognized in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business under Environment
  • Selected by peers for inclusion in New England Super Lawyers© under Environmental
  • Received Katahdin Counsel Recognition for pro bono efforts (2016)

To learn more about third-party ratings and rankings, and the selection processes used for inclusion, click here.

Firm Highlights

Blog

Verrill Partner Mat Todaro selected to serve on the American Bar Association’s Section on Environment, Energy, and Resources 2022 Fall Conference Planning Committee

Earlier this year, Verrill Partner Mat Todaro was selected by American Bar Association leadership to serve on the 2022 Fall Conference Planning Committee for its Section on Environment, Energy, and Resources. In this role...

Blog

Georgetown Broadband LLC Secures Utility Pole Attachment Authorization for Community Broadband Project

On February 17, 2023, Georgetown Broadband LLC (GBLLC) became the latest community broadband entity to receive pole attachment authorization from the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to deploy a fiber broadband network. GBLLC began...

Blog

PFAS Regulatory Update: Dates You Need to Know

Public Comment on the Federal Proposed Drinking Water Standards for Six PFAS Compounds On March 29, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), published in the Federal Register its proposed national drinking water standards...

Blog

Carolyn Gilbert Nominated to Maine PUC

On March 28, Governor Janet Mills nominated Carolyn “Carrie” Gilbert to serve a six-year term on the Maine Public Utilities Commission. For the past 15 years, Gilbert has worked at Daymark Energy Advisors where...

Blog

Maine PUC to Kick Off Review of Grid Plan to Assist Clean Energy Transition

Last month, the Maine Public Utilities Commission initiated a proceeding to identify the priorities to be addressed in an electric grid plan that will assist Maine in the “cost-effective transition to a clean, affordable...

Blog

Verrill's Jim Cohen To Speak on Past and Future of Maine’s Electric Grid at 2023 Winter Bar Conference

Verrill partner Jim Cohen will be presenting at the Maine State Bar Association’s Winter Bar Conference 2023, on Friday, January 27, in Portland. Cohen’s presentation, The Past and Future of Maine’s Electric Grid...

Blog

Maine PUC Asked to Fix “Leapfrogging” Problem Triggered by 2022 Changes to Maine’s Generator Interconnection Rule

The Maine Public Utilities Commission is currently considering whether to commence a formal emergency rulemaking process to amend Chapter 324 of its rules governing generator interconnections. The purpose of the rulemaking would be to...

Publication/Podcast

Maine Legislature Poised to Make Significant Changes to Maine’s PFAS in Products Law

In July 2021, Maine enacted one of the nation’s first laws restricting PFAS in products, pioneering a unique policy response to what has become a leading environmental issue. Effective January 1, 2023, Maine’s PFAS...

Blog

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Proposes National Drinking Water Standard for Six PFAS Compounds

On March 14, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced a proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”). PFAS are a category of manufactured chemicals that...

Blog

Crisis emerges in Maine over safe disposal of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants

Maine wastewater treatment plants are currently facing intense challenges concerning disposal of their sewage sludge , also called “biosolids.” This is a fast-moving issue getting significant coverage in the media and substantial attention from...

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