Three years after its air permit was denied, the Greenidge Generation cryptocurrency mining facility remains in operation—and residents across the Finger Lakes say they’ve had enough.
On June 28, environmental advocates, local business owners, and state lawmakers joined Seneca Lake Guardian to rally against Greenidge’s ongoing fossil-fueled operations, demanding stronger enforcement of New York’s climate laws. The event marked the third anniversary of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) decision to reject Greenidge’s Title V air permit, citing its failure to comply with the state’s climate targets.
“Greenidge has continued operations by exploiting legal loopholes and delays,” said Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles, who accused the company of “greenwashing” and violating environmental laws by dumping heated water into Seneca Lake and pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Rally organizers and speakers—including Earthjustice’s Liz Moran, the National Coalition Against Cryptomining’s Jackie Sawicky, and winery owner Vinny Aliperti—called on state officials to act. They warned of ongoing environmental degradation, energy price spikes, and health risks caused by the facility’s use of fracked gas to power its proof-of-work crypto mining operations.
Senator Pete Harckham, who introduced legislation to close loopholes in the appeals process for denied permits, said the state must enforce climate laws or risk losing public trust. “Greenidge Generation continues to operate in defiance of a permit denial,” Harckham said. “That’s unacceptable.”
Senator Rachel May echoed that sentiment, describing Greenidge’s continued pollution as a threat to New York’s values of “clean water, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable local economies.”
Speakers highlighted the broader impact of fossil-fueled cryptomining, citing its massive energy consumption—up to 2.3% of U.S. totals—and its $1 billion estimated cost to ratepayers. Residents and advocates fear the Greenidge model could set a dangerous precedent for similar operations statewide.
Vinny Aliperti, owner of Billsboro Winery, said the emissions and discharges threaten the region’s wine industry. “We are proud to work with so many dedicated winegrowers who respect the land,” Aliperti said. “It’s a shame that Greenidge continues to pollute this area.”
Seneca Lake Guardian urged Governor Hochul’s administration to enforce the permit denial and shut down the facility. “New Yorkers have pushed for and passed laws to foster a healthier, cleaner environment,” Kelles said. “We deserve accountability.”
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