Originally published on: November 15, 2024
In a recent landmark decision, the New York State Supreme Court granted Greenidge Generation the permission to continue their power generation and Bitcoin mining operations at their Dresden facility. This ruling also allows Greenidge to reapply for the Clean Air Act Title V Air Permit, which was previously denied by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in June of the same year.
While the court upheld the DEC’s authority to deny the permit under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), it found that the DEC had acted capriciously in this particular case. However, the court also noted that Greenidge failed to establish that the DEC engaged in improper policymaking.
Greenidge’s initial appeal of the DEC’s denial was unsuccessful in May, prompting them to file an Article 78 petition with the state supreme court for a review of the decision. Facing the possibility of closure in November, Greenidge awaited a crucial ruling from Judge Vincent Dinolfo.
In a decisive move, Judge Dinolfo annulled the permit denial and sent the matter back to the DEC for further consideration in line with his ruling.
Amidst the legal battles, emotions ran high on both sides of the debate. Greenidge celebrated the court’s decision, ensuring job security for their local employees and condemning what they referred to as politically motivated overreach from the government.
Meanwhile, environmental organizations, represented by Earthjustice, expressed disappointment at the ruling, condemning Greenidge for abusing the legal system and continuing to operate despite ongoing controversy.
The resolution of this case marks a significant turning point in the ongoing debate surrounding Greenidge’s operations, raising key questions about environmental protection and business practices in the digital age. Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on crypto laws and guidelines, and stay informed on the latest developments.
