Norman Semanko

Practice Areas

Norman Semanko is the firm’s water law practice group leader in the Pacific Northwest Region. He has more than 30 years of experience with water resources, environmental, natural resources, land use, public lands and regulatory issues.

Mr. Semanko represents clients from Parsons' Boise and Idaho Falls offices on water law, environmental and land use matters before government agencies and in state and federal courts. He has been an adjunct professor and lecturer at several law schools and colleges and is a frequent conference speaker. He has testified before Congress, State legislative committees and other governmental bodies on numerous occasions.

Professional Memberships

Legal Advisory Council, Mountain States Legal Foundation (2021-present)

General Counsel, Family Farm Alliance (2018-present)

Litigation Review Committee Vice-Chair, National Water Resources Association (2017-present)

Registered Lobbyist, Idaho State Legislature (1994-present)

President, Food Producers of Idaho (2009-2011)

Chair, Environmental & Regulatory Affairs Committee, Idaho Council on Industry & the Environment (2009-present)

Eagle Citizens’ Water Committee (2006-2007)

President, Idaho Council on Industry and Environment (2005-2006)

President, Coalition for Idaho Water (2000-2010)

Western States Water Council (appointed by Gov. Kempthorne, reappointed by Gov. Otter) (2000-2008)

Speaker of the House Newcomb’s Private Property Rights Ad-Hoc Committee (2002-2003)

Chairman, Federal Affairs Committee, National Water Resources Association (2000-2004/2009-2013)

Board of Directors, National Water Resources Association (1999-2017)

Co-Chair, Water & Property Rights Committee, National Water Resources Association (1998-2000)

Board of Directors, Idaho Council on Industry and the Environment (1995-present)

Advisory Committee, Family Farm Alliance (1993-present)

Water Quality & Water Quantity Committees, Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (1993-2006)

Chairman, Water Law Section, Idaho State Bar Association (1996-1998)

Vice Chairman, Natural Resources & Environment Section, Idaho State Bar Association (1995-1996)

Chairman, Fifth District Bar Association (1995-1996)

Publications

Red Paddle-Blue Paddle: Clean Water Act Ping Pong March 9, 2021

Clean Water Act Case Review: Glaser and the Future of the Irrigation Return Flow Exemption October 1, 2020

Personal

Rotary Club of Boise (2004-2018)

Twin Falls Rotary Club (1996-2000)

Board of Directors, Boise Elevated (2012-2016)