Seneca Lake Guardian will hold a 30-minute rally on Saturday, June 28, to draw attention to ongoing environmental concerns related to the Greenidge Generation power plant and cryptocurrency mining operation on Seneca Lake.
Supporters will gather at 2:30 p.m. at the gazebo outside the Finger Lakes Welcome Center to mark the third anniversary of the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s decision to deny Greenidge a Title V air-quality permit on June 30, 2022.
Five issues driving the rally
Rising carbon output: Greenidge reported nearly 30,000 additional tons of carbon-dioxide emissions in 2024, a 7 percent increase that opponents say undermines New York’s climate goals.
Toxic air pollutants: Air-dispersion modeling cited by organizers shows formaldehyde and benzene spreading across 32 nearby vineyards and surrounding farms, threatening a tourism and agriculture sector central to the Finger Lakes economy.
Thermal impacts on Seneca Lake: Current permits allow Greenidge to withdraw up to 139 million gallons of lake water daily and return it at temperatures as high as 108 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions environmentalists warn can fuel harmful algal blooms.
Precedent for climate law compliance: Critics argue the facility’s continued operation, despite the denied permit, could weaken enforcement of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act statewide.
Unexplained lake spill: Local residents reported an unknown substance on the water after a June 17 spill near the plant; advocates say state officials have yet to release details.
Rally Focus and Message
Organizers say the event is intended to raise awareness and demand stronger enforcement of environmental protections around Greenidge’s operations. The invitation encourages attendees to “stand up for our lake and climate law” and bring signs to help draw public and regulatory attention to the ongoing concerns.
Company and state positions
Greenidge officials have maintained that the plant meets environmental standards and contributes local jobs; the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. DEC representatives said the agency’s 2022 denial remains in effect while legal challenges continue.
What’s next
An administrative hearing on Greenidge’s appeal is expected later this year. Organizers say they plan to continue public advocacy focused on aligning the facility’s operations with New York’s climate and environmental standards.
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