Landowners and Locals are Fighting AI Expansion of High-Voltage Power Lines

SUGARLOAF, Penn., March 13, 2026 (AP) — For John Zola, the 40 acres were like a paradise: apple orchards tucked into northern Pennsylvania's rolling hills, a barn, meadows and more than enough land for four houses: one for himself and his wife and each of his three adult children.

It’s been “hell,” however, since a contractor hired by the local power utility knocked on Zola's door in late 2024 and informed him that it planned to build a 500-kilovolt power line through his property.

The 240-foot metal towers would reach 10 times as high as the century-old apple trees they'd plow through and loom over the Zolas' homes and the basketball court and swimming pool where his grandchildren play.