A Fox Business host has ignited controversy after suggesting a Maryland Christmas tree farm should make way for power infrastructure designed to support artificial intelligence data centers in northern Virginia.
Dagen McDowell, co-host of “The Big Money Show” on Fox Business, defended a proposed 67-mile transmission line project during a recent broadcast.
The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project carries a $424 million price tag and has drawn fierce opposition from local property owners.
The transmission line would cut through multiple properties, including a Christmas tree farm.
McDowell dismissed concerns about the project’s impact on the agricultural business.
“I think that the United States of America would gladly just saw off Maryland and kick it into the Atlantic Ocean if you don’t like it,” McDowell said during the segment.
“If there is a need for electricity generation and a conduit like power lines to bring electricity to a densely populated area of business and growth like northern Virginia, then it’s not about AI, it’s actually about economic growth for the United States.”
McDowell went further in her criticism of those opposing the project.
She specifically targeted the Christmas tree farm owners.
“Number two, it’s a tree farm! Not growing food,” McDowell continued.
“The alternative would be some liberal’s gonna put some giant solar panels on that land, and you’re not gonna be growing any Christmas trees either.”
The host concluded her remarks by telling affected landowners to purchase artificial Christmas trees instead of growing real ones.
Local farmers and property owners have characterized Maryland as serving merely as an “extension cord” for Virginia’s AI infrastructure boom, according to NBC News.
Critics argue the state would shoulder the burden of hosting massive transmission infrastructure while receiving minimal benefits.
Co-host Brian Brenberg offered a contrasting perspective during the segment.
He expressed sympathy for the Christmas tree farm’s predicament.
“This farm is going to lose all of its aesthetic appeal as a result of this,” Brenberg argued.
He noted he had personally observed the transmission towers and described them as unattractive.
McDowell remained unmoved by her colleague’s objections. She framed the issue as an economic necessity.
“There will be transmission lines that have to go through developments and farms,” McDowell said.
“That’s the very nature of a growing economy. Everybody needs to get on board.”
WATCH:
NBC reported that Public Service Enterprise Group, the utility company spearheading the project, has defended the transmission line as essential infrastructure.
The company warns that Maryland could experience significant grid congestion without these upgrades, potentially threatening both affordability and reliability for customers. However, local residents remain skeptical of this justification.
Many view the project as primarily benefiting Virginia’s expanding AI data center industry rather than addressing Maryland’s own power needs.
The Maryland controversy represents just one flashpoint in a broader national debate over AI data center expansion.
Communities across America have confronted challenges associated with these massive facilities.
Energy consumption remains a primary concern, per the Washington Post.
AI data centers require enormous amounts of electricity to operate, often driving up utility costs for surrounding areas.
Noise pollution has emerged as another significant issue. The constant hum from cooling systems and other equipment can reach levels that disturb nearby residents.
Water usage has sparked alarm in multiple locations, according to Futurism.
Some data centers have been accused of depleting local water supplies, leaving communities with diminished resources.
