Utility companies are increasingly leveraging eminent domain authority to acquire property for data center construction, sparking significant public opposition. With approximately 70% of Americans opposing such projects in their communities, a contentious legal debate over the definition of 'public use' has emerged. This trend follows decades of regulatory reforms, as 45 states have implemented stricter eminent domain legislation in response to prior Supreme Court decisions. The clash between infrastructure development needs and property rights protection continues to shape energy and technology sector expansion strategies.

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