ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — In a pivotal day for New York climate policy, two State Supreme Court judges ruled on Thursday that New York must enforce stricter climate laws on energy projects, including those tied to crypto-mining.
DEC Authority Under Climate Law Upheld
A state judge ruled on Thursday that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has authority under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) to deny Greenidge Generation’s air permit renewal. The ruling from State Supreme Court Justice Vincent Dinolfo in Yates County affirmed that the department is responsible for making sure that state projects follow state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenidge’s Argument Rejected
Greenidge wanted to block the DEC’s denial, claiming that the decision was unfair and inconsistent with state law. The company argued that the department lacked the power to deny the permit and didn’t properly evaluate alternatives. However, Dinolfo found that the decision was flawed, legally incorrect, and arbitrary. He annulled the May 2024 denial of Greenidge’s Clean Air Act permit and sent the matter back, ordering DEC to reevaluate.
Judge Overturns Power Plant Sale, Orders Environmental Review
A state Supreme Court judge ruled that New York’s Public Service Commission (PSC) must reconsider a decision allowing the sale of a gas-fired power plant because the agency didn’t examine the potential environmental impacts. Environmental groups argued that the PSC ignored how the sale could affect greenhouse gas emissions and disadvantaged communities, as required by CLCPA.
PSC’s Decision Rejected
The PSC approved the sale of the Fortistar facility in North Tonawanda to Digihost International, who planned to use the facility for cryptocurrency mining. The Clean Air Coalition and Sierra Club sued, claiming the deal would increase emissions and harm vulnerable communities. Judge Richard Platkin annulled the PSC’s prior approval, ordering them to reconsider the deal.
Conclusion
The two rulings emphasize the importance of enforcing stricter climate laws on energy projects, including those tied to crypto-mining. The DEC’s authority to deny permits that do not align with state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions has been upheld, and the PSC must reconsider a decision allowing the sale of a gas-fired power plant due to environmental concerns.
FAQs
Q: What is crypto-mining?
A: Crypto-mining consumes energy to solve complicated math puzzles to verify cryptocurrency transactions and prevent double-spending.
Q: Why is crypto-mining a concern for climate policy?
A: Crypto-mining is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and its increased use could hinder efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
Q: What is the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)?
A: The CLCPA is a New York state law that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050. The law requires the state to develop a plan to achieve these goals and sets standards for energy projects to ensure they align with these goals.
Q: What does this mean for energy projects in New York?
A: The rulings emphasize the importance of enforcing stricter climate laws on energy projects, including those tied to crypto-mining. Energy projects must meet state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and comply with CLCPA requirements.
