On the heels of the Assembly’s passage of A.7389-C (Kelles)/S.6486-D (Parker), which would establish a two-year moratorium on the issuance of new permits or new renewals for fossil fuel facilities that power proof-of-work (PoW) mining operations, over 500 organizations and businesses have sent a letter to legislative leadership urging passage of the legislation.

The groups, which includes 1199 SEIU, New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, Earthjustice, Action Center on Race and the Economy, Environmental Advocates NY, Sierra Club, New York League of Conservation Voters, Seneca Lake Guardian, and hundreds of Finger Lakes businesses, are now looking to the State Senate for passage of the bill.

“This important bill to address energy-hogging proof-of-work cryptocurrency mining has broad statewide support, from labor, environmental justice, and business groups. The State Senate should not hesitate to pass Senator Parker’s bill,” said Liz Moran, New York Policy Advocate for Earthjustice. “Our organizations are concerned with good reason — should proof-of-work cryptocurrency expand in New York unchecked, New York’s climate mandates would become nearly impossible to meet. We applaud the Assembly for passing this incredibly reasonable legislation that will temporarily stop these cryptocurrency mining operations from setting up shop and repowering old gas plants while DEC conducts an environmental review.”

“Proof-of-work cryptocurrency mines earn corporations and speculators millions by putting the future of our people and planet at risk. This cryptocurrency mining moratorium will ensure that no fossil-fuel-burning facilities in New York will be used for such purposes and undermine New York’s CLCPA (Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act),” said New York City Environmental Justice Alliance Executive Director Eddie Bautista. “A just energy transition means that we must start building an emissions-free future now for all industries. We applaud the Assembly for passing this moratorium and urge for a full environmental impact assessment of cryptocurrency on our public health and environment.”

A recent study by Cornell University found overwhelming public opposition to the current PoW crypto mining operations at the Greenidge Generating Station. At least 98% of the public comments are opposed to Greenidge, a fossil fuel-burning peaker plant converted to a 24/7 PoW crypto mine.