Originally published on: November 15, 2024
In a recent ruling by the New York State Supreme Court, Greenidge Generation secured a victory that allows the continuation of power generation and Bitcoin mining at its Dresden, New York facility. This decision also permits Greenidge to reapply for the renewal of its Clean Air Act Title V Air Permit, which had been denied by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) earlier in the year.
Despite the positive outcome for Greenidge, challenges still loom on the horizon. The court’s ruling affirmed the DEC’s authority to deny the permit under the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). While the court acknowledged that the DEC had acted capriciously, it found that Greenidge failed to prove improper policymaking on the DEC’s part.
Greenidge’s legal battle began when the DEC denied its licensing renewal in June, leading to an appeal that was ultimately rejected in May. The company then sought a review of the decision through an Article 78 petition filed with the state supreme court.
In a ruling handed down on November 14, Judge Vincent Dinolfo annulled the permit denial and remanded the matter back to the DEC for further consideration in line with his decision.
The reaction to Judge Dinolfo’s ruling was impassioned on both sides. Greenidge celebrated the decision as a win for its local employees, characterizing the DEC’s actions as politically motivated governmental overreach.
Environmental organizations, represented by the intervenor Earthjustice, expressed disappointment with the outcome. Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter chair Kate Bartholomew criticized Greenidge for abusing the legal system and vowed to continue challenging the company’s operations.
As Greenidge faces ongoing legal battles, the future of its operations in New York remains uncertain. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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