Story perspectives

Judge OKs PUD Condemnation of Nine Data-Center Properties

8/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Washington Superior Court Judge Jennifer Richardson allowed Grant County PUD to condemn nine properties for data-center power lines.
The ruling did not address whether the utility followed required negotiation and appraisal procedures.
Richardson said the procedural question does not invalidate the county’s condemnation decision.
If parties do not waive a jury trial, jurors will determine compensation owed to landowners.
One property owner alleges the utility undervalued her land by $600,000.

History

Historical Context

Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. founded the regulatory-taking doctrine in 1922’s Pennsylvania Coal Co. v. Mahon, noting a $600,000 loss required compensation. That principle guides today’s disputes, such as Washington Superior Court Judge Jennifer Richardson’s order allowing Grant County PUD to condemn nine properties for data-center power lines, prompting owners to challenge the valuation.

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Story summary

Washington Superior Court Judge Jennifer Richardson allowed Grant County PUD to condemn nine properties for data-center power lines.
The ruling did not address whether the utility followed required negotiation and appraisal procedures.
Richardson said the procedural question does not invalidate the county’s condemnation decision.
If parties do not waive a jury trial, jurors will determine compensation owed to landowners.
One property owner alleges the utility undervalued her land by $600,000.

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