Article

Mervin Raudabaugh, a farmer in Silver Spring Township, Pennsylvania, rejected a $15 million purchase offer for his land to prioritize environmental conservation. His decision aligns with growing opposition to data center projects in rural areas, as the U.S. is projected to host over 5,400 facilities by the end of 2025.

Following his refusal, Raudabaugh sought protection through a local land conservation program, allowing him to sell only as agricultural land. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Data Center Partners and PowerHouse Data Centers plan to develop three data center campuses near Harrisburg, with the Pennsylvania Digital 1 project undergoing approval for an 18-building campus.