Land Faces Being Seized in Multiple States to Build Data Centers
Summary
Several states in the U.S. are seeing land seizures or proposed land seizures to build new power lines that will support data centers. Utilities say these new transmission lines are necessary to meet growing electricity demand, but some homeowners and farmers dispute the necessity and the use of eminent domain.Key Facts
- Georgia Power is building a new transmission line in Georgia, saying 70-80% of the power will support data centers.
- The company may use eminent domain, a legal right to take private land for public use with compensation, to acquire over 300 parcels.
- Similar transmission projects are proposed in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to support data centers.
- Some landowners and farmers oppose these projects, arguing they serve mostly corporate data centers and want better compensation.
- Utilities say eminent domain is a last resort after other options fail, and most properties are acquired through agreement.
- The projects aim to prevent electric grid overload and improve reliability amid growing power demand.
- In Maryland, utility PSEG warns grid issues could threaten electricity costs and service without upgrades.
- The disputes highlight tensions between private land rights and infrastructure needed for expanding digital industries like AI data centers.
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