Environmental advocacy group, Seneca Lake Guardian, is criticizing U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand for her stance on cryptocurrency and perceived lack of commitment to the Finger Lakes region.
The group alleges Gillibrand has failed to reintroduce a bill to designate the Finger Lakes as a national heritage area and has expressed concern over her role in drafting a cryptocurrency regulation bill. This criticism comes despite the senator’s previous call for increased oversight of a controversial crypto mining operation run by Greenidge Generation in Yates County.
Gillibrand previously sponsored a bill in 2019 to study the possibility of designating the Finger Lakes region as a national heritage area. The National Park Service states this feasibility study is nearing completion and will be sent to Congress after review by the Department of the Interior. Gillibrand’s spokesperson, Evan Lukaske, confirmed her continued commitment to the national heritage effort and underscored her previous engagement with the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.
Despite these efforts, the Seneca Lake Guardian has voiced concern about Gillibrand’s connections to the cryptocurrency industry. The group criticized Gillibrand’s cryptocurrency regulation bill as favoring Bitcoin proponents and noted her acceptance of political contributions from cryptocurrency executives. Responding to these concerns, Lukaske stated that the senator plans to visit all 62 counties in New York this year, which will include the Finger Lakes region.
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