Legal Efforts

CANSS attorney Norman M. Semanko of Parsons Behle, and Latimer law firm, joined us in 2017. Norm was recognized as an “Idaho Leader in Law” by the Idaho Business Review in 2016 for his work. Norm brings to our team extensive experience with water resources, environmental, natural resources, public lands, and regulatory issues.

Norm Semanko, CANSS, and the citizens are working hard to Stop the Smelter. The Land Appeal decision, our latest effort, was not in our favor. This decision only strengthened our determination to oppose the smelter. From the beginning, Norm made it clear this battle is to be won in the judicial system as seen in our legal efforts outlined below.

The threat of the smelter has not been abandoned. PacWest, a patient landowner, is waiting for the approval and finalization of the Pend Oreille County Comprehensive Plan Rewrite. This rewrite is vitally important not only to them but to every landowner in the County, who should be aware of the future land use maps and the proposed zoning changes. The draft is available for review at the Pend Oreille County Website. https://pendoreilleco.org/2020-comprehensive-plan-update/ In 2021 the proposed smelter is a zoning issue. The proposed smelter property is not zoned for industrial use. To date, PacWest has not applied – let alone been approved – for the multitude of permits required to conduct such an operation. Nevertheless, we have successfully and repeatedly beaten back PacWest’s efforts to move forward with the smelter.  

The Board of CANSS and the citizens stand ready with our attorney, Norm Semanko, to meet the challenge – anytime, anywhere, you can count on that! We could not have gone this far without your help and remain committed to this battle started over three years ago. Remember, slow and steady wins the race; we’re in this for the long haul.

Stay strong everyone!   No Newport Smelter!!