In this episode, we talk with Lodi Supervisor Kyle Barnhart, who as Minority Leader of the Seneca County Board of Supervisors, signed the letter to Governor Kathy Hochul.
June 14, 2022
Honorable Kathy Hochul Governor of New York State
Honorable Basil Seggos Commissioner of NYS DEC
State Capitol Building 625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12224 Albany, New York 12233-1011
Dear Governor Hochul and Commissioner Seggos:
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors is concerned with the lack of action and delayed deadlines for denying the renewal of air permits for Greenidge Generation’s power plant in Dresden, New York.
As we wrote in our October 2020 letter to NYSDEC Acting Regional Director Timothy Walsh, we continue to unanimously oppose the continued operation of the cryptocurrency mining
operation on Seneca Lake.
As a county government, we have taken additional steps to protect our lakes and watersheds. We have passed strict septic inspection laws to improve water quality for Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.
We have increased funding for the inter-municipal watershed organizations that advocate for our lakes so that they can have the greatest possible impact. We are holding up our end of the deal to
protect our environment and honor the state’s climate goals. We ask that you hold up the state’s end of the deal by denying Greenidge Generation’s air permit applications and signing the bill
that issues a moratorium on these kinds of cryptocurrency operations.
Since our 2020 letter, the people of the State of New York have spoken out loudly and clearly that they expect swift action from their elected leaders on environmental issues. They’ve spoken
at the ballot box by passing a constitutional amendment that guarantees New Yorkers the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthful environment. Seneca County residents approved the
amendment by a wide margin. We are united, bipartisan, and unanimous in asking you to deny the permits, sign the bill, and protect Seneca Lake from further exploitation.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Hayssen Chairman
Michael Enslow Majority Leader
Kyle Barnhart Minority Leader
Paul Kronwenwetter Chairman, Environmental Affairs Committee
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF SENECA
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