Rally in the Finger Lakes Against Crypto Mining Concerns
A vibrant rally took place this past weekend in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, where lawmakers, residents, and environmental advocates gathered in a united front against a growing concern: the Greenidge Generation power plant’s crypto mining operations in Yates County.
A Call for Action
Hosted by the Seneca Lake Guardian, the rally spotlighted ongoing environmental issues linked to this cryptocurrency mining operation situated on the shores of scenic Seneca Lake. "On the shores of Seneca Lake [is] a place that represents what’s at stake in our fight for clean water, a pristine environment, and a thriving tourism-based economy," declared Joseph Campbell, president of Seneca Lake Guardian.
The rally drew attention not only to the ecological impacts but also to the broader implications for the local economy, particularly tourism—a vital component of the Finger Lakes region.
Existing Permits and Environmental Risks
One major concern highlighted during the rally is the existing permits that allow Greenidge to extract an astonishing 139 million gallons of lake water daily. This water is discharged back into the lake at temperatures reaching 108 degrees Fahrenheit, heightening the risk of harmful algal blooms. These blooms can produce toxins detrimental to both human health and aquatic life, raising alarms among environmentalists.
Additionally, speakers pointed out that air quality is under threat from emissions of hazardous substances such as formaldehyde and benzene. These pollutants drift over 32 neighboring vineyards and farms, endangering not only the residents but also the very agriculture and tourism sectors that underpin the Finger Lakes’ economy.
Continuing the Fight
The rally was not just a one-time event. It reflects a persistent struggle that has been ongoing for years. "We’re here today because three years ago we were celebrating the denial of the Greenidge permit on the grounds that it violated New York’s climate law," said Yvonne Taylor, vice president of Seneca Lake Guardian. Yet, despite the denial, the Bitcoin mining facility continues to operate, leaving many residents questioning the effectiveness of regulatory measures.
Greenidge stands as the first vertically integrated power generator and Bitcoin miner on a significant scale in the United States. While it claims to provide essential power to New York state’s energy grid—supplying electricity to around 20,000 homes and businesses—this has not ameliorated community concerns.
Community Impact
Local businesses also voiced their grievances about Greenidge’s operations. Vinny Aliperti, owner of Billsboro Winery, highlighted that the impacts extend beyond carbon emissions. He noted that “thermal pollution” and other toxic pollutants are significantly affecting the vineyards and local residences, creating a sense of urgency and dread among business owners.
“It’s not just carbon emissions that we’re worried about,” he emphasized. “Greenidge is also raining down toxic pollutants over vineyards and residences.” Such statements underscore the interconnectedness of environmental health and economic viability in the Finger Lakes region.
Advocacy and Future Generations
The Seneca Lake Guardian remains at the forefront of the fight to preserve the Finger Lakes for both residents and visitors. They have mobilized environmental organizations across New York State, making the issue of crypto mining an urgent environmental priority. Reports indicate that Greenidge emits millions of pounds of carbon dioxide each year, further exacerbating climate change while compromising the delicate ecosystem of the lake.
State Senator Rachel May articulated the need for protective measures, stating, “Permitting a fossil-fueled Bitcoin mining operation like Greenidge to continue polluting our air and water after a permit denial undermines the values we cherish: clean water, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable local economies.” Her words resonate with the shared sentiment that the fight transcends a single facility; it’s about safeguarding the environmental protections crucial for future generations.
A Community United
The rally served to galvanize the community, emphasizing that collective voices matter. “Your voice matters. And we won’t stop fighting until the Finger Lakes is free from this and all other corporate menaces,” declared Yvonne Taylor, summing up the urgency and resolve of the group.
As advocates unite through grassroots activism and education, they hope to inspire significant changes that protect their cherished environment for generations to come.
Spectrum News 1 has reached out to Greenidge Generation Holdings Inc. for a comment on these concerns. Moreover, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has organized an evidentiary hearing regarding these pressing issues, further emphasizing the need for dialogue and resolution in this ongoing environmental challenge.
Indeed, the future of the Finger Lakes hangs in the balance, and the journey to preserve it continues.