CANSS attorney, Norman M. Semanko, of Parsons Behle, and Latimer law firm, joined us in 2017. Norm recognized as an “Idaho Leader in Law” by the Idaho Business Review in 2016 for his work, brings to our team extensive experience with water resources, environmental, natural resources, public lands, and regulatory issues.
Norm Semanko in collaboration with the Gonzaga’s University Law Team, along with Responsible Growth*North East Washington and the citizens are working hard to ‘Stop the Smelter’. From the beginning, Norm made it clear this battle is to be won in the judicial system as seen from the legal efforts outlined below.
The Land Appeal decision, our most current effort, was NOT in our favor. This decision only strengthens our determination to oppose the smelter. We are evaluating our options with our legal team and will respond accordingly.
In the meantime, we will remain vigilant and meet the smelter proposal at every turn. Whether PacWest legally owns the property or not, it is not zoned for industrial use. PacWest has not applied – let alone been approved – for the multitude of permits that are required to conduct such an operation. Nevertheless, we have successfully and repeatedly beaten back PacWest’s efforts to move forward with the smelter. CANSS and its members stand ready to meet the challenge – anytime, anywhere, you can count on that! Remember, slow and steady wins the race; we’re in this for the long haul.
Stay strong everyone! No Newport Smelter!!
Remember that we need your donations to continue to move forward in our legal efforts.
Stay Updated on our legal efforts by reviewing the documents below.
According to PacWest’s original timeline, they should have had the smelter built and fully operational by now. Through the dedication of the citizens, Norm Semanko, and as a result of the legal efforts by CANSS and others we continue to beat back the development of this smelter at every turn.
We’ve made all the legal documents available in full below.
Lawsuit has been Filed
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Press Release – Citizens File Lawsuit
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CANSS Press Release
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CANSS Letter to Department of Commerce
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