"Please Bring Signs": Marylanders To Protest AI Data Center Power Lines As Eminent Domain Threatens Small Farms

A power line battle is unfolding in Maryland as 10,000 residents join a Facebook group to protest against the construction of high-voltage power lines for new artificial intelligence data centers. The project, called the "Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project," aims to install 70 miles of new power lines through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties. Developer Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) is seeking to increase load capacity in the state by importing power from surrounding states to power AI data centers in Frederick. PSEG is willing to work with small farms to reach a mutual agreement on acquiring property rights but is prepared to invoke eminent domain if an agreement cannot be reached. Maryland consumes about 40% more electricity than it generates, leading to a reliance on power imports from surrounding states. The state's failed green policies and rising power demand are causing power bills to skyrocket. Members of the "STOP MPRP Community Group" are planning a demonstration at the Maryland Data Center Summit at Frederick Community College to show their opposition to the project. The demonstration aims to raise awareness about the connection between data centers, power lines, and eminent domain. This issue is not unique to Maryland, as it is happening in other states as well.