The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has finalized an agreement with Greenidge Generation LLC to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the Dresden facility. The agreement mandates a 44% reduction in permitted greenhouse gas emissions, equating to over 282,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents annually.
According to the DEC, this step resolves ongoing litigation between the agency and Greenidge Generation. The DEC stated, “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 terms of the agreement require Greenidge Generation to adhere to new permit conditions designed to protect the community and align with emission levels set by New York’s Climate Act. The DEC said, “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.”
As part of the process, Greenidge must submit a modification request for its Air Title V renewal permit. This application will be open for public review and comment before any final decision is made. The DEC emphasized its commitment to transparency: “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.”
The agency noted that all permit applications undergo thorough evaluation against federal and state standards, including environmental justice considerations. In 2022, DEC denied Greenidge’s previous permit application because projected increases in actual emissions conflicted with state climate law requirements. Under this new agreement, no increases in emissions will be allowed during any renewed permit term.
Greenidge will now be required under strict oversight from DEC not only to reduce actual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25%, but also potential emissions by 44% over any renewed Air Title V permit period. Once Greenidge submits its revised application, it will become available for public input prior to final approval.
