24,000-strong farmers' group seeks data center moratorium amid eminent domain worries

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, a 24,000-member organization, has unanimously voted to endorse a statewide moratorium on data center construction. This decision arises from significant concerns among farmers, particularly in Pennsylvania's Gregg Township, Union County, regarding the potential use of eminent domain for infrastructure supporting data centers and the impact on taxpayer-funded preserved farmland.

PPL Electric Utilities has unveiled five potential routes for a new nine-mile, 230-kilovolt transmission line, intended to power a proposed data center. Farmers, including Andy Bater of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau board, testified before the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, expressing their strong opposition. They highlighted that one route could traverse six or more farms that are part of the state's Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which protects prime farmland. PPL confirmed the Allenwood Transmission Project is in its evaluation phase and no final route has been selected, stating that community feedback is being considered. However, the mention of eminent domain as an option by PPL has caused considerable alarm among landowners.

Senator Gene Yaw, chair of the Center's board, acknowledged the farmers' apprehension about eminent domain. Still, farmers like York County orchard owner Barron Shaw voiced distrust, likening the mention of eminent domain to a threat. The proposed data center campus in Allenwood is linked to PNK Group. Farmers Terry Snoddy and Janet Sellard, whose families have multi-generational ties to the land, expressed their emotional connection and questioned the efficacy of farmland preservation if utilities can still claim access. Will Whisler of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau stated that preserved farmland should remain protected from such intrusions.