Topic: The Cryptocurrency Mining Dilemma
When: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 6:30 pm
Where: Join Virtually - find the Zoom link here 

Have you been hearing about cryptocurrency mining? Heard that Proof of Work and Bitcoin operations are already taking over dormant fossil fuel plants in New York? Wondering why this poses a problem for our environment and for the climate? Please join this webinar for answers!

The Writers Group has lined up an impressive group of presenters:
Lauren Darcy is the Senior Planner for Ecological Programs at Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper. She will address cryptocurrency/Bitcoin/block chain mining, its excessive use of energy, and its local impacts in North Tonawanda.
Dr. Colin Read is the former Mayor of Plattsburgh, NY and a Professor of Economics and Finance at SUNY Plattsburgh. He will present a broad overview of cryptocurrency and its effects on energy and economics.
Dr. Anna Kelles is the NYS Assembly Member for District 125 (City of Ithaca, Tompkins County). She will discuss statewide legislative efforts for a mining moratorium and regulatory restrictions on this rapidly expanding and potentially dangerous industry.

Their knowledge, experience, and involvement in addressing the serious problems associated with cryptocurrency mining make them the perfect lineup to help us understand community and statewide concerns with this industry.

Wednesday's workshop will also prepare you for participating in upcoming events regarding problematic cryptomining operations at two locations in NY. Please mark your calendars!

Greenidge Generation (Dresden, NY)
October 4: webinar to help you prepare to testify at public hearings about Greenidge's expansion proposal (we will send a registration link and talking points when they are available).
October 13: DEC public hearings at 1pm and at 6pm (registration link). Register by 10am Friday, Oct. 8 to speak at these hearings.
October 22: deadline for written comments (comment link).

Fortistar gas plant, slated to be operated by Digihost (North Tonawanda, NY)
October 12: deadline for written comments (talking points coming soon; here's the link to the PSC docket for this case).

As you can tell, things are developing rapidly, and we have not yet received all the documents we want to share with you. But we will! 

Meanwhile, please register for tomorrow's webinar to learn the background about this urgent environmental concern so you can spring to action when needed. Thank you so much for your time!

Alliance for a Green Economy