Environmental group plans Penn Yan protest, pushes Torrey data center moratorium
Seneca Lake Guardian is organizing demonstrations in Penn Yan and urging the Torrey Town Board to adopt a moratorium on new or expanding data center operations. The campaign focuses on a potential conversion and expansion of Greenidge/Vulcan’s Dresden facility for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, citing concerns about electricity use, water, noise and environmental impacts.
Seneca Lake Guardian plans recurring demonstrations in Penn Yan and is urging residents to address the Torrey Town Board in support of a moratorium on new or expanded cryptocurrency and data center operations. The group is opposing the potential transition of the former Greenidge cryptocurrency facility near Dresden into infrastructure for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, citing electricity demand, lake discharges, water resources, noise, air quality and effects on tourism and agriculture.
Greenidge Generation Holdings, now operating under the name Vulcan Infrastructure and Power, says its Dresden site has 60 megawatts of grid power and is pursuing a study for access to an additional 200 megawatts. Torrey officials are examining possible data center regulations, while the New York Department of Environmental Conservation says it has not received a new application for a change in the facility’s operations. The campaign also includes a Nov. 12 educational forum on advanced energy and nuclear technology, although organizers say no nuclear project has been proposed in Schuyler County.