The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos continues to have significant concerns over Greenidge Generation’s permit renewal.
According to a WKSG report, the commissioner appears to question Greenidge’s ability to meet the state’s statutory climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA.
Environmental activists, politicians, etc, condemned the DEC for delaying its decision on Greenidge’s air pollution permit renewal application last month, but Seggos argued the delay was necessary.
Seggos noted “We owe it to the applicant to review what they submitted to us, take a deep dive into that. If in fact that shows the ability to comply, then maybe we’ll have a second impression as to whether or not they could comply with the law.”
Greenidge’s application to renew its air pollution permits was denied by the DEC in September because it failed to demonstrate compliance with the CLCPA standards, which includes making the energy generation sector zero-emission by 2040.
The DEC was due to make a decision on the application by March 31st, and that deadline has been moved back to June 31st by the department.
Greenidge added extra steps to its permit application just before the March deadline to demonstrate that the facility will be in compliance with the CLCPA. This includes a goal of making the plant carbon-free by 2035.
Greenidge’s revised proposal is being reviewed by DEC personnel, according to Seggos, including the feasibility of the plant’s pledge to be carbon-free.
“The goal is to put something out final that will help guide the way we approach permits here in New York” Seggos said.
If the DEC rejects Greenidge’s permits, it will be the first time the agency has refused to renew a permit based on the CLCPA’s objectives. The DEC began formalizing its internal policy on determining whether a renewal proposal conforms with the CLCPA last year.
A facility would be in violation of the CLCPA if it provides a new significant source of greenhouse gas emissions or significantly raises demand for greenhouse gas emissions. The commissioner intends to implement the new guidance this summer.
Several other bitcoin miners are also actively exploring ways to become carbon-neutral. A few days back, bitcoin miner Marathon Digital announced its plans to relocate its coal-powered Hardin, Montana facility to assist the corporation’s goal of becoming 100% carbon-neutral by the end of 2022.
