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The New York community is on edge as <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/crypto-mining-faces-backlash-in-new-york-greenidge-generation-in-hot-waters/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Greenidge</a> Generation, a notorious Bitcoin mining operation, blatantly violates state climate regulations. Despite its expired permits, the company thrives financially, adding fuel to the escalating community discontent, according to <a href="https://gothamist.com/news/greenidge-generation-continues-to-mine-bitcoin-profit-while-it-violates-ny-climate-law" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">gothamist</a>. 
Over a year ago, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) denied <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/crypto-mining-faces-backlash-in-new-york-greenidge-generation-in-hot-waters/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Greenidge</a>'s air permit renewal. The reason was clear: non-compliance with the state's stringent climate law, the Community Leadership and Climate Protection Act. This law mandates a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by all sectors before the decade ends. Unfortunately, Greenidge showed no intention of curbing its emissions, a major issue considering the energy-consuming nature of cryptocurrency mining. 
Furthermore, Greenidge has been operating without a valid water permit for the past year. This noncompliance is a matter of not only legality but also environmental ethics. Daily, the facility draws nearly 140 million gallons of water from Seneca Lake, putting the local aquatic ecosystem at risk. Notably, the company only installed the necessary fish screens in January, after five years of operation without them, demonstrating a lack of environmental foresight and responsibility. 
Despite these violations, Greenidge's Bitcoin mining venture is on track to be its most lucrative year yet. During the first half of this year, they accumulated 1,368 Bitcoins, a 16% surge compared to the previous year. This windfall, valued at approximately $35 million, seems to only embolden the company. Since its inception in 2020, it has amassed 7,111 Bitcoins, now valued at an astounding $186 million. 
In the meantime, the DEC has assigned an administrative law judge to evaluate the evidence impartially. Yet, environmental groups fear this process may drag on, allowing Greenidge to continue its harmful operations for years. This loophole might also encourage other cryptominers to set up shop in the region, perpetuating a cycle of environmental degradation for financial gain. 
The urgency is palpable, as indicated by Mandy DeRoche, a key figure at Earthjustice. DeRoche highlights the dire need for a decision to halt Greenidge's operations. The community echoes her sentiment, yearning for an end to the facility's damaging activities which add a significant amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere annually. 
Regrettably, the facility operates with an expired permit, intensifying community frustration and impatience. Local groups like Seneca Lake Guardian are almost at their wits' end, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes environmental well-being over financial gains. The current state of affairs reveals not only a company's blatant disregard for environmental regulations but also a glaring gap in the enforcement of climate protection laws, fostering an escalating crisis that demands immediate attention and action. Subscribe to our Telegram <a href="https://t.me/ultraminingcom" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">channel</a>! Only the most interesting stuff there

Cryptocurrency Controversy: Greenidge’s Unchecked Emissions Ignite Community Outrage

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