DEC Statement Regarding The Greenidge Agreement

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today finalized an agreement with Greenidge Generation LLC to drastically reduce the Dresden facility's currently permitted greenhouse gas emissions by 44%, a decrease of more than 282,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents annually. DEC is committed to effectively reducing fossil fuel emissions that contribute to harmful climate impacts. This agreement will resolve pending litigation between DEC and the applicant and secures a significant cut in greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise be subject to an uncertain judicial outcome after an already lengthy legal process.

The agreement holds Greenidge Generation accountable to new proposed permit conditions that are protective of the community and brings the Greenidge facility in line with greenhouse gas and co-pollutant emissions levels consistent with the Climate Act. DEC is committed to a transparent and comprehensive permit review process as Greenidge next proposes a modification to the facility's Air Title V renewal permit, subject to public review and comment, to incorporate the agreement's conditions and ensure a final permit is fully protective of public health and the environment.

DEC subjects all permit applications to a rigorous review of applicable federal and state standards to ensure the agency's decision is protective of public health and the environment, upholds environmental justice and fairness, and meets applicable standards, including the Climate Act. DEC denied Greenidge Generation's permit in 2022 because the applicant projected it would increase actual emissions at the facility during the permit's term, which was inconsistent with the Climate Act. Today's agreement ensures there will be no increases during the term of a renewed permit. Greenidge will be required, through new binding permit conditions and under stringent DEC oversight, to reduce actual greenhouse gas emissions at the facility by at least 25% and potential emissions by 44% over the term of a renewed Air Title V permit. Greenidge is required to submit a permit modification application that, once DEC determines it is complete for the purposes of public review, will be made available for public comment. DEC will review the public comments prior to issuing a final decision.