Mark Cecchini Beaver, JD, MSC

Mark Cecchini Beaver brings over a decade of experience finding durable solutions to complex problems at the intersection of science, policy, and law. Mark previously worked as an attorney, representing federal and state agencies such as the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Idaho Department of Water Resources, and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. In these roles, he developed deep knowledge of the regulatory frameworks governing the use and protection of water resources, with particular emphasis on hydropower, water supply, and wastewater infrastructure in the Columbia River Basin. Mark’s substantive experience includes National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and Clean Water Act Section 401 certification negotiation and compliance; water quality standard development and implementation; conventional and pumped storage hydropower licensing under the Federal Power Act; U.S. Bureau of Reclamation lease of power privilege acquisitions; and water right acquisitions, transactions, and enforcement. In addition, he has supported clients’ compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act. Prior to his legal career, Mark worked for 5 years as a consulting geologist, focusing on environmental site assessment and groundwater remediation projects in the Mid-Atlantic and Northwest.

Mark concurrently earned his JD, with high honors and emphasis in natural resource and environmental law, and Masters of Science in Water Resource Science and Management from the University of Idaho. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Hamilton College. Based in Boise, Mark enjoys exploring Idaho’s rivers, slopes, and trails with his family.