Van P. Hilderbrand Jr.

Van Hilderbrand is an accomplished environmental and energy attorney who partners with clients across diverse industries to address the critical intersection of business operations, environmental regulatory compliance, and sustainability goals.

Van’s deep experience enables him to effectively assess and manage environmental risks in business and real estate transactions, conduct environmental due diligence, assist with permitting issues, help navigate climate change issues and manage climate-related risks. He often counsels clients on matters involving real property contamination remediation, permitting, compliance, renewable energy, sustainable development, environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles, and associated disputes and transactions.

Drawing on his experience across industries such as real estate, energy, construction, manufacturing, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, transportation, and technology, Van delivers tailored solutions that address the unique regulatory and operational challenges each industry faces. His practical, forward-thinking approach helps clients navigate the complexities of environmental and energy regulations with an eye toward sustainability and long-term success.

Van’s background as a financial analyst and corporate auditor for General Electric’s energy products and services business provides him with valuable insights into internal business operations, risk management, and the practical realities clients face. This hands-on corporate experience strengthens his ability to craft legal strategies aligned with business goals.

An active thought leader, Van has presented and written extensively on the implications of environmental policies and trends for renewable energy project development. His insights have been featured in a variety of publications.

Practice Areas

Representative Matters

Environmental Regulatory, Transactional, and Litigation Key Matters

• Advised clients regarding environmental and land use due diligence, current and historical environmental conditions, EHS regulatory compliance, risk of contamination liability, permits and permit transfer, contractual allocation of risk, and negotiating contractual terms for various real estate transactions*
• Represented clients in a federal CERCLA litigation including challenging liability, challenging a multi-million cleanup remedy, and pursuing contribution actions against other potentially responsible parties*
• Assisted client prepare and submit proof to support multi-million-dollar environmental insurance claim involving numerous sites at various stages of remediation*
• Represented potentially responsible party before the U.S. EPA at site where dioxin and PCBs are contaminants of concern and provided regulatory guidance regarding preparation of public comments at various stages of the remedial administrative process*
• Advised clients on state and federal voluntary disclosure of various Clean Air Action violations, including assisting with internal investigation*
• Counseled consumer products manufacturing client on remedial activity participation, long-term environmental liability, and financial reserve management at numerous Superfund sites*
• Advised clients on compliance obligations and on completing regulatory submissions pursuant to various state and federal regulations*

Renewable Energy Key Matters

• Advised an international financing and investment firm, with significant experience in the renewable energy sector, understand and evaluate the risks involved in providing development financing for a major offshore wind energy project. Work included advising on the state public service commission’s approval of ORECs, conducting due diligence on local, state and federal permitting, licensing, and process for obtaining ORECs.*
• Provided major solar PV installers with opinions regarding applicability of certain local state, and federal environmental, aviation, and energy laws required for planned installation of commercial solar projects*
• Advised commercial building owners and REIT on sustainability issues including the installation of roof-top solar systems, drafting rooftop solar leases, negotiating power purchase agreements with tenants, and engineering, procurement, and construction contracts with vendors*
• Worked with energy companies and investment management firms to provide state energy regulatory opinions for several community solar portfolio projects in Maryland and DC*
• Advised corporations and commercial building owners on contracts with third-party energy companies to procure renewable energy to power operations*
• Advised clients on the negotiation of a long-term rooftop and ground mount solar leases*

*matter handled prior to joining Honigman LLP

Prior Experience

• Miles & Stockbridge, Principal
• Sullivan & Worcester LLP, Attorney
• Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, Attorney
• GE Energy, Financial Analyst

Clerkships

• U.S. Department of Justice, Law Clerk in Environment and Natural Resources Division
• United States Navy, Judge Advocate General Law Clerk

Education

Admissions

Court Admissions

Press Releases