News Category

Category: News

A WXXI-NPR article by By Rosemary Misdary, Published July 30, 2026

In a bold move to evolve its operations, Greenidge Generation—a bitcoin mining company located in Dresden, NY, on the picturesque Seneca Lake—has rebranded as Vulcan Infrastructure and Power. The shift reflects its ambition to convert its crypto mining operation into an artificial intelligence (AI) data center campus, aiming to tap into the ever-growing demand for cloud computing and digital infrastructure.

What does this project entail?

Old Name: Greenidge Generation (now Vulcan Infrastructure and Power)
Location: Along the scenic shores of Seneca Lake in Dresden, NY (Yates County). Though I acknowledge that the facility is outside of the 131st Assembly District, how this plays out may have significant ramifications throughout the state of New York. For other corporations who may be thinking about creating data centers or companies in one industry converting their facilities into data centers in the future.
Previous Function: The facility previously operated as a fossil fuel-powered electric plant and served as a bitcoin mining operation.
Future Vision: The company aims to transform the site into a full-fledged AI data center, drawing on a wide range of energy sources to support the latest technological sensation.
Energy Needs: To facilitate this conversion, Vulcan is requesting an additional 200 megawatts from the state power grid, a substantial increase from their current 107-megawatt capacity dedicated to crypto mining.

However, Vulcan Infrastructure and Power is facing notable challenges that could complicate this transition:

State Moratorium: Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on July 14, 2026, that imposes a moratorium on new large-scale data centers—those requiring 50 megawatts or more. This pause on state environmental permits could last as long as a year, putting Vulcan’s plans on uncertain ground. The goals of the one-year moratorium are as follows: 1) The Department of Environmental Conservation is pressing pause on issuing new discretionary environmental permits that aren't already complete, and this could last up to a year. However, don't worry—projects that have valid permits in place can keep moving forward. 2) To tackle the growing concerns about data centers and their impact on our energy grid, air quality, and water usage, the state plans to utilize a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for evaluation. This is all about making sure that everyday people aren't left to shoulder the costs of the significant upgrades to the transmission and grid infrastructure that these power-hungry users require. 3) The state is also working on a community investment framework designed to empower local towns. This will help them not only manage development effectively but also safely tap into the economic benefits. On top of that, there's news about pursuing legislation to scrap the state sales tax exemptions for those massive data centers. It's a move that's meant to keep our communities at the forefront of this conversation. The New York State Assembly and Senate passed the Responsible Data Center Development Act (S.10642/ A.11560), which places a one-year moratorium on environmental permits for new large data centers on June 4, 2026, which Gov. Hochul has yet to sign. The bill passed through the Senate with a vote of 44-16 and sailed through the Assembly at 102-39, all during the final hours of the 2026 legislative session.
Local Resistance: The project is also meeting fierce opposition from environmental advocacy groups like Seneca Lake Guardian and Sustainable Finger Lakes. These organizations have raised alarms over the facility's historical impact on the local environment, citing long-standing concerns about air and water pollution associated with its fossil fuel operations. This local backlash could make the fight uphill as they face scrutiny from both the community and regulatory bodies.

What’s the difference between Responsible Data Center Development Act and Gov. Hochul's executive order?

The Responsible Data Center Development Act lowers the bar to 20 megawatts of electricity use, which means it includes a wider variety of mid-sized to large facilities. In addition, Gov. Hochul’s signature on this passed bill could impact existing data centers. There's an important shift happening when it comes to how we handle utilities, particularly for large data centers. This piece of legislation seeks to create dedicated electric and water rate classes just for these facilities, meaning that instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, there will be tailored options that can better support the unique needs of big data operations. Additionally, the bill calls for public hearings before any permits are approved, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard in the decision-making process. This initiative not only promotes fairness but also fosters transparency and engagement with the public.

The governor’s executive order increases the threshold to 50 megawatts or more, making sure that the pause only affects the large-scaled data centers. Moreover, this order emphasizes making a direct impact right away by encouraging state agencies to look into environmental effects and help local governments set up community benefit agreements, rather than jumping straight into creating new rate classes. These are a few of the major reasons why pro-environmental advocates feel that the executive order isn’t enough to address the environmental impacts of data center – no matter the size. In addition, advocates like Yvonne Taylor of Seneca Lake Guardian and Lisa Perfetto of Earth Justice have stated that Greenidge changing its name to Vulcan doesn’t erase the record of the facility but attempt to cover up years of environmental pollution and subsequent damage to natural resources, negatively impacting public health, and undermining sustainable climate efforts and local community economies.

Balancing Progress with Environmental Stewardship

While Vulcan Infrastructure and Power's vision for an AI data center may seem promising—especially considering the pressing demand for data processing capabilities—we must critically evaluate the ramifications of this shift. On one hand, the transition could lead to job creation and economic stimulation in the region, aligning with the technological advancements that are shaping our future. The potential benefits include improved infrastructure and contributions to data-driven industries that support innovation and economic growth.

On the other hand, we certainly cannot overlook the environmental impact that comes with such a significant energy request. The history of fossil fuel power plants in the area raises legitimate concerns. Advocates for the local environment argue that investing in a tech-driven future should not come at the expense of compromising the health of natural landscapes and communities. The push for clean energy alternatives must be front and center in any proposed development, and it’s essential for Vulcan to engage authentically with the community to address these concerns. I believe that the moratorium can be used for Vulcan to actively engage with constituents and be very transparent and honest about its intentions – given every opportunity possible for residents of the 131^st Assembly District to weigh in.

The Path Forward

As Vulcan Infrastructure and Power endeavors to reshape its identity and purpose, a collaborative approach with stakeholders, residents, and environmentalists will be crucial. The challenges they face are significant, yet navigating them with transparency and commitment to sustainability could pave the way for a mutually beneficial outcome.

In conclusion, the conversion of Greenidge Generation into Vulcan Infrastructure and Power presents a very interesting case of corporate ambition versus the best interest of local communities. Will the facility be able to find the balance between advancing into a new technological frontier while respecting and prioritizing the environmental and community voices that are essential to just how legitimate the project really is? The coming months will be critical in determining the future of this initiative and its potential impact on both technology and the environment around Seneca Lake. It’s a story worth watching closely, because at its heart, it embodies a larger conversation about progress, responsibility, and the future of our shared planet.

Sources:

https://www.wxxinews.org/new-york-public-news-network/2026-07-30/upstate-ny-crypto-mine-seeks-to-become-data-center

https://gothamist.com/news/upstate-ny-crypto-mine-seeks-to-become-data-center

https://sustainablefingerlakes.org/issue-spotlight-data-center-in-lansing/

https://www.fltimes.com/news/greenidge-shifts-to-data-center-new-name/article_f02f7713-5241-4461-888a-cfa32d61b86d.html

https://rochesterbeacon.com/2026/07/22/data-center-opponents-see-executive-order-as-partial-win/

https://www.harrisbeachmurtha.com/insights/new-york-state-legislature-passes-first-in-the-nation-data-center-moratorium/

https://www.foley.com/insights/publications/2026/08/new-york-just-pressed-pause-on-large-data-center-permitting/

https://ithacavoice.org/2026/07/terawulf-data-center-hochul-executive-order/

Posted on 03 Aug 2026, 12:41 - Category: News

Finger Lakes Times op-ed on solar energy proposal in NY

Summary:

New York’s Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act (S8512C / A9111C) legalizes plug-in "balcony solar" panels, removes utility red tape, and expands clean energy access for renters. The bill passed both the New York State Assembly and State Senate on May 28, 2026, and is currently awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature.

According to the current New York State Assembly directory:

Brian Manktelow — Assembly District 130, Jeff Gallahan — Assembly District 131, Phil Palmesano — Assembly District 132, Andrea Bailey — Assembly District 133

So, the four Assembly members represent four consecutive districts 130, 131, 132, and 133, covering a broad stretch of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region.

This is particularly relevant to the Finger Lakes Times column because the author pointed out that all four local Republican Assembly members voted against the SUNNY Act, while the New York State Senate passed the measure unanimously, 62-0. https://www.eany.org/news/eany-statement-on-assembly-passage-of-the-sunny-act

This bill is something that I, Phillip Fleming, support.

John Gilbert argues that Gov. Kathy Hochul should sign the SUNNY Act, legislation that would allow New Yorkers to use small, plug-in solar panel systems connected to standard household electrical outlets.

The author highlights several potential benefits:

Greater access to solar energy: Plug-in or "balcony" solar could make solar power available to renters, apartment and condominium residents, and homeowners who cannot install rooftop systems.

Lower electric bills: Depending on the size of the system and sunlight exposure, households could potentially save up to about $50 per month, particularly in New York, where electricity costs are high.

Consumer choice: The legislation would prevent utilities from interfering with customers' use of approved plug-in solar systems.

Growing adoption: Gilbert points to Germany, where he says approximately 10% of households have adopted such systems, as well as U.S. states including Virginia, Utah, and Maine that have enacted similar policies.

Potential economic benefits: The author suggests that systems costing several hundred to more than $1,000 could potentially pay for themselves in roughly two years, while increased adoption could eventually drive prices down.

Gilbert acknowledges legitimate safety concerns, particularly the possibility of electricity flowing back into the grid during outages, risks involving ground-fault interrupters, electrical shocks, and fire hazards. He notes that the legislation requires independent safety certification and argues that these concerns can be addressed, pointing to Germany's experience as evidence.

The column also becomes political, criticizing local Assembly members Gallahan, Manktelow, Palmesano, and Bailey for voting against the legislation. Gilbert says he attempted to get an explanation from Gallahan but received no response. He questions whether their opposition was based on substantive concerns or opposition to solar energy more broadly.

Bottom Line:

Gilbert's central argument is that the SUNNY Act would democratize access to solar energy by giving ordinary New Yorkers—especially those who cannot install rooftop panels—an affordable way to reduce their electricity bills and participate in the transition to renewable energy. He believes Gov. Hochul has an opportunity to demonstrate environmental leadership by signing the bill, provided appropriate safety standards are maintained.

Sources:

https://www.fltimes.com/opinion/guest-appearance-a-sunny-proposal/article

https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A09111&term=&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y

Posted on 02 Aug 2026, 17:48 - Category: News