DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos says he is still concerned about applying for a permit for Greenidge Generation. (Vaughn Golden / WSKG)
New York State Department of Environmental Protection (WSKG) — The head of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation continues to question whether the controversial Finger Lakes cryptocurrency mining business and power plants meet the criteria for renewing regulatory permits. increase.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos told WSKG that there are still “significant concerns” about whether Greenidge Generation’s business complies with the state’s statutory climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
Environmental activists and some politicians have criticized the DEC’s move to extend the time period to consider a Greenwich air pollution permit renewal application last month, but Mr Segos said the extension was fair.
“We have a duty to review and dig deeper into what the applicant has submitted,” says Seggos. “If it really shows the ability to comply, we may have a second impression of whether they can comply with the law. But our belief is that This is a facility that will have a difficult fight in compliance with the law. “
September, DEC publication Greenidge’s application for renewal of air pollution permits has not yet demonstrated compliance with CLCPA goals, including zero emissions of the energy generation sector by 2040. After several hearings and public comment periods on the application, DEC will make a decision by March 31st.Department Pushed back The date is June 31st.
Shortly before the March deadline, Greenidge proposed additional steps in the permit application to prove that the facility is CLCPA compliant. This is promise Zero carbon emissions from the plant by 2035.
“Greenwich is fully compliant with today’s state’s strong environmental standards, and based on facts and laws, this permit renewal will allow New York to meet its state-wide GHG emission reduction targets after 2030. It won’t hurt, “a Greenwich spokeswoman said in a statement. To WSKG.
According to Segos, DEC staff are in Greenwich New proposalIncludes the feasibility of the promise to make the plant zero carbon emissions.
“I appreciate my ambitions, but I want to see what science is saying and what the facts are saying about the application, so in the end I make that and that alone decision,” Segos said. Told.
Environmental activists, including Yvonne Taylor, vice president of the Seneca Lake Guardian, have postponed the issuance of the Greenwich permit decision given that the June 31 deadline came shortly after the state-wide primary elections. Claims that the move was a political motive.
“Political timidity comes at a cost,” Taylor told New York Governor Kathy Hokul. “Governor Hochul and all of us will suffer from this undecided result. Governor Hochul has completely abandoned her responsibility for the New Yorker, so we now expect the Legislature to do the right thing. They need to take the lead and put the moratorium in the dangerous “proof of work” cryptocurrency industry. “
legislation Implementing a three-year moratorium in cryptocurrency mining, such as Greenidge’s Bitcoin mining operations, is being promoted by environmental groups in the Legislature. Rep. Isaka Anna Ceres (D-125) Introduced The first iteration of last year’s moratorium after plans to expand Greenidge’s Bitcoin mining capacity were approved.
Ceres invoice We’re screwed Primarily due to opposition from the International Electric Workers Fraternity Brotherhood, it passed the state legislature last year.
Asked by WSKG about the moratorium method in event In December, Hochul said he was still considering the issue.
“This is what we’re working with with our environmental team, but I’ve been able to strike the right balance so I don’t miss the opportunity to create a new industry in New York. We are working on it, “Hochul said.
If the DEC refuses Greenidge’s permit, it is the first time a government agency has blocked a renewal based on the CLC PA’s goals.Last year, the ministry set a similar precedent. Rejected There were applications for natural gas power plants in Astoria and Dancecomer, but they were new proposals.
DEC started last year Formalization Internal policy on how to determine if an update proposal is CLCPA compliant.under draft Language facilities are not CLCPA compliant if they create new significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions or significantly increase the demand for greenhouse gas emissions.
“The goal is to come up with the final thing that will help guide us on how to approach the permit here in New York,” Segos said. “As you know, our goal is to be as aggressive as possible. CLCPA is an important law. DEC is responsible for enforcing it and we are the kind that comes before us. I would like to expand it as much as possible to deal with the permission of. “
Mr. Segos said he would like to implement new guidance this summer.
