Bitcoin miner Greenidge Generation wins legal battle in New York

Greenidge Generation Holdings Inc. will continue to operate the Dresden, New York, facility following a legal victory against the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.

According to a Nov. 14 press release, the New York Supreme Court ruled in Greenidge’s favor, overturning the Department of Environmental Protection’s decision to deny the Title V Air Permit.

Judge Vincent Dinolfo called the Environmental Protection Agency’s actions “arbitrary and capricious” and criticized its interpretation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The court found that DEC failed to provide a rational basis for its decision, effectively clearing the way for Greenidge to operate without interruption.

The conflict began in August, when Greenidge sued the DEC over the agency’s decision to deny his air permit renewal. DEC argued that the facility did not comply with the state’s climate regulations, citing the CLCPA. Greenidge countered that this denial exceeded the DEC’s authority and ignored the facility’s compliance with existing laws.

Although the appeal was rejected in May, Greenidge received a four-month operational waiver, allowing it to continue through September. The court’s latest decision now secures Greenidge’s long-term operations.

political extremism

In a statement, Greenidge called the decision a victory for “facts and the rule of law” against what he called “politically motivated government overreach.”

The company emphasized its compliance with regulations and highlighted contributions to the local economy, including high-tech job creation and electricity generation.

This decision marks Greenidge’s seventh positive decision on operational matters. The company expressed hope for future cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection to finalize a new permit consistent with the court’s decision.

Greenidge’s case underscores the tension between environmental regulations and industrial operations as New York balances climate goals with economic development.