Jillian Hishaw, Esq. Featured in New York Post on Legal Challenges Facing Rural Landowners Amid AI Expansion
Veteran Agricultural Attorney Shares Insight on $5B Data Center Controversy and the Urgent Need for Early Legal A
Hishaw is currently finalizing a model policy document that landowners can use as a guide when attending planning and zoning meetings. “It is an epidemic.” says Hishaw
CHARLOTTE, NC, April 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Agricultural and land-use attorney Jillian Hishaw, Esq., a nationally recognized expert with over 20 years of experience in agricultural law and asset protection, is bringing critical attention to the legal and economic risks facing rural landowners amid the rapid expansion of AI data centers.
Hishaw was recently featured in a national interview discussing a controversial $5.18 billion AI data center project proposed near a century-old family cemetery in Muscogee County, Georgia. The development, known as “Project Ruby,” has raised concerns about environmental impact, property rights, and long-term land value for neighboring families. ([New York Post][1])
Drawing on decades of experience advising farmers, landowners, and underserved communities, Hishaw emphasized the limited legal options available once large-scale developments receive zoning approval. She noted that after municipal approvals are finalized, opposition efforts often shift to costly litigation with low chances of reversing decisions. ([New York Post][1])
Hishaw also warned of potential long-term consequences for rural communities, including declining property values and loss of natural resources. She stressed the importance of early engagement in local zoning processes, encouraging landowners to take proactive steps such as attending planning meetings, requesting environmental and archaeological assessments, and leveraging public records to understand project impacts. ([New York Post][1])
As the founder of a nonprofit dedicated to protecting heirs’ property and rural land ownership, Hishaw has spent more than a decade providing legal services to vulnerable landowners. Her work focuses on preserving generational wealth, preventing land loss, and advocating for equitable development practices.
“With the rapid growth of AI infrastructure, communities must be informed and engaged early,” Hishaw said, underscoring the urgency of education and legal preparedness.
Hishaw’s insights continue to position her as a leading voice at the intersection of agricultural law, land use, and asset protection—especially as emerging technologies reshape rural America.
[1] https://nypost.com/2026/04/11/real-estate/ai-data-center-costing-over-5-billion-set-to-bear-down-on-century-old-family-cemetery/ “AI data center costing over $5 billion set to bear down on century-old family cemetery in Georgia”
F.A.R.M.S., founded by Jillian Hishaw, helps protect farmland and rural communities, saving $25M in assets and donating 3.5M pounds of fresh produce nationwide.
Website: https://30000acres.org
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