SANDPOINT — The Canadian company seeking to develop a silicon smelter facility near Newport is rechristening itself PacWest Silicon.

“Acknowledging the amazing people and community leaders of this region is what led HiTest to brand this new company PacWest Silicon,” the company said on its website.

“PacWest is proud to be a part of the Pacific Northwest community and even prouder to be an important member of Washington state’s burgeoning green energy economy.”

The company said the proposed facility in Newport will employ more than 150 people and support another 750-plus workers in spin-off jobs related to the plant. PacWest said it is committed to taking on local hires and annual wages at the smelter will range from $40,000 to $150,000.

But while some are welcoming new economic opportunities and manufacturing-sector jobs, the smelter has run into stiff opposition on both sides of the state line. Residents in Washington and Idaho say the project jeopardizes air and water quality.

PacWest insists there will be a thorough scientific evaluation to assess impacts and the company said for every ton of carbon dioxide created during the production of silicon metal, nine times that amount is saved from being released during the life of solar panels its product will be used to manufacture.

“PacWest Silicon respects the environmental values of the local community and is committed to doing its part in the most environmentally-responsible, safe ways possible,” the company said.

The company said it will neither draw nor discharge any water from the Pend Oreille River or any other local waterways.

Citizens Against the Newport Silicon Smelter, meanwhile, has mobilized to doggedly challenge the proposal at every turn.

The nonprofit contends the sale of property HiTest purchased from the Pend Oreille Public Utility District should be voided because the company was not registered as a foreign entity in Washington state when the sale closed. Moreover, the group argues the Pend Oreille PUD improperly divested itself of the property.

CANSS is threatening legal action against the district if it does not undo the land purchase. It also questions PacWest’s allegiance with the Washington Department of Commerce, the Pend Oreille Economic Development Council and the Pend Oreille PUD.

The three agencies are listed as partners with PacWest, which CANNS questions whether the alliance is in keeping with the state of Washington’s appearance-of-fairness doctrine.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.