Democrat Jumaane Williams, who launched his bid for governor of New York in December, has called for imposing a moratorium on proof-of-work (PoW) mining.
He pointed to China's recent decision to ban Bitcoin mining, adding that there are other "processes" that are less harmful to the environment.
Williams announced his plan while speaking near a controversial gas-fired power plant operated by Greenidge Generation. It operates near the shore of Seneca Lake, the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes.
The once-mothballed plant successfully reinvented itself by starting to mine Bitcoin. Last month, it reported a 168% increase in Bitcoin production.
Williams says that Bitcoin mining could be devastating for the environment and the local economy:
We know exactly what is going to happen in just a few years if we don’t stop this type of mining.
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Bitcoin mines that use a 'proof-of-work' process have the potential to devastate the environment & local economy, so today I joined advocates & community members on #SenecaLake to call on @GovKathyHochul to declare a moratorium on this type of mining. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/DHWFmmuv72
— Jumaane Williams (@JumaaneWilliams) January 31, 2022
After former governor Andrew Cuomo resigned from office due to multiple sexual harassment allegations, a slew of candidates from both parties rushed to step into the breach.
New York's incumbent governor, Kathy Hochul, is the heavy favorite to win the gubernatorial race in November, according to online prediction market PredictIt.
Dan Burgin
Vladislav Sopov
U.Today Editorial Team