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.
Environmental Advocates Rally on Permit Denial Anniversary
On Saturday, June 28, environmental advocates, local business owners, and state lawmakers gathered with the Seneca Lake Guardian to call for the immediate shutdown of Greenidge’s fossil-fueled mining operation. The rally, held in Yates County, marked the third anniversary of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) decision to reject Greenidge’s Title V air permit, citing noncompliance with New York’s climate laws.
“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 discharging heated water into Seneca Lake and pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This sentiment was echoed by many at the rally, who expressed frustration over the apparent operational disregard for environmental regulations.
Speakers such as Liz Moran from Earthjustice, Jackie Sawicky of the National Coalition Against Cryptomining, and winery owner Vinny Aliperti warned that Greenidge’s continued operation threatens public health, energy affordability, and the region’s $3 billion wine industry. Lawmakers, including State Senators Pete Harckham and Rachel May, joined the call for stronger enforcement, arguing that allowing the facility to remain in operation erodes public trust in New York’s climate commitments.
Separate Oil Spill on June 17 Sparks Local Concern
While the rally primarily focused on Greenidge’s air permit denial and broader environmental concerns, a separate oil spill incident at the facility on June 17 ignited additional worries among local residents. The DEC confirmed that a mixture of oil and water leaked from the Greenidge plant in the town of Torrey, seeping into a nearby marsh but not directly affecting Seneca Lake itself.
Although state officials maintain that the lake was unaffected, concerned residents have reported noticing algal growth near the shoreline and are demanding greater transparency in environmental oversight. Locals like John Lanni and Gary Mcintee are advocating for increased oversight and investment in a public water system to safeguard private wells from potential contamination in the event of future incidents.
In response to the uproar, Greenidge informed WHAM-TV that it plans to reconfigure its equipment to prevent future spills, a commitment that many locals remain skeptical of given the company’s track record.
Mounting Pressure
The developments from both the rally and the oil spill underscore the mounting pressure on Greenidge Generation from both the community and environmental advocacy groups. Seneca Lake Guardian and other organizations stress that Greenidge’s reliance on fracked gas to power its proof-of-work crypto mining poses ongoing environmental threats, even after the DEC’s 2022 permit denial.
“We are proud to work with so many dedicated winegrowers who respect the land,” said Aliperti, expressing the collective dismay of local businesses about the facility’s continued pollution. He emphasized the incongruence between the values of local producers and the operations of Greenidge, which prioritize profit over environmental stewardship.
“New Yorkers have passed laws to protect our environment,” added Kelles. “We deserve enforcement—and we deserve action.” The ongoing actions reflect a broader struggle over environmental responsibility and accountability, as residents push for protections that safeguard their health, environment, and livelihoods.
