Bitcoin -miner Greenidge Generation has won a lawsuit against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and will now be able to continue operating in Dresden, New York.
The New York Supreme Court overturned the department’s denial of an emissions permit, according to the miner’s representatives. Judge Vincent Dinolfo found the agency’s actions “arbitrary and unreasonable” and criticized officials for an imprecise interpretation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
The conflict between Greenidge and the DEC began in August of this year, when the miner sued the department for refusing to issue a permit for his operation in Dresden, New York, because it did not meet climate standards.
Despite the court's dismissal of the lawsuit in May, Greenidge was granted a four-month stay, allowing it to continue operating until September. The court's new ruling ensures Greenidge's long-term operation.
This decision highlights the growing importance of data center operations — whether supporting artificial intelligence, digital currency, cloud computing or other high-tech industries — and how we can bring new career opportunities to upstate New Yorkers who have waited too long for them, the company said.
In his statement, the miner also called the court's decision a victory of "facts and the law" over "politically motivated abuse of power by the government."