Local wineries and environmental groups held a press conference two days after Governor Kathy Hochul’s gubernatorial victory to ask for action on cryptocurrency mining.
They gathered to urge Hochul to sign a cryptocurrency mining moratorium, which would prevent future crypto-mining operations from opening.
They also asked for steps to be taken to shut down Greenidge Generation in Dresden.
“It’s beyond disheartening to see Greenidge slip through and evade oversight from our regulators, all the while they continue to emit pollution into our air and precious lake and threaten our wine industry,” said Vinny Aliperti, co-owner, Billsboro Winery. “The New York State wine industry generates $6.6 billion in economic activity, $2.4 billion in taxes, and employs over 60,000 right here in the Finger Lakes. New York State needs to get its priorities straight. The DEC should shut Greenidge down and begin a public and transparent water permit renewal process.”
Greenidge employs around 50 people. While that is a lot of employees for rural Yates County, advocates say it doesn’t compensate for the damage being done to the overall economy.
“To risk our health, the health of our ecosystem, and at the same time our livelihoods and agricultural heritage? So much is on the line here, and for what? So, some out of state corporation can cash in on a short-term gold rush, making money for themselves, and leaving us to pick up the pieces? It’s not even close to worth it,” added Ian Thorsen McCarthy. He’s the owner of Behemoth Farm Winery.
So far, the Governor has not announced any plans to move forward with the moratorium.
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