Eminent Domain Could Be Used to Seize Your Land for AI Data Centers

Power companies may try to use eminent domain to secure land or easements for transmission lines that would power AI data centers.

University of Dayton scholar Aaron Walayat says precedent could support compulsory land acquisition if the project is framed as serving the public interest.

In Maryland, landowners are challenging a planned line meant to support data center demand in Northern Virginia.

The outcome could shape property rights, state utility policy, and how quickly AI data center infrastructure expands.