North Tonawanda Residents and Enviro Groups Urge NYS to Uphold Climate Law in Crypto Case

NORTH TONAWANDA, NY (07/21/2025) (readMedia)-- On Tuesday, North Tonawanda residents, environmental advocates, and allies will hold a virtual press conference calling on the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject the sale of a fracked gas power plant to a climate-killing cryptominer in North Tonawanda.

In 2022, the PSC approved cryptominer Digihost International's purchase of the 55-megawatt Fortistar North Tonawanda plant without fully evaluating its climate impacts under New York's landmark climate law, the CLCPA. Last November, the Albany County Supreme Court vacated that approval, sending it back to the PSC for reconsideration.

The PSC must now properly conduct a CLCPA analysis and mitigate the emissions consequences of the purchase. Digihost has been and continues to use the Fortistar gas plant predominantly to power its onsite cryptomining machines 24/7, emitting up to 312,000 tons of greenhouse gases annually, which is equivalent to the energy use of more than 165,000 homes. The facility's greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution have increased 3500% since cryptomining began there.

Advocates say this is a second chance for the PSC to align with the state's climate law and stop fossil fuels from wreaking havoc on the climate and creating local air, water, and noise pollution.

The PSC public comment period closes July 28, and residents are urging New Yorkers to make their voices heard by submitting public comments for the PSC's consideration.

The PSC Comment period comes at the same time as the cryptomining company is facing court hearings about its incessant noise pollution, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is holding public hearings on its draft Environmental Impact Statement about the adverse impacts of cryptocurrency mining on the state's air, water, climate and communities.

ZOOM LINK FOR VITRUAL PRESS CONFERENCE HERE.