Nondisclosure Agreements Conceal Data Center Negotiations From Public

Why it matters locally: The use of nondisclosure agreements in negotiations for large-scale economic development projects, such as data centers, could affect transparency for West Virginia residents regarding potential impacts on local infrastructure and resources, particularly in communities where such projects might be considered.

Nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) have concealed negotiations between a technology company and local and state officials concerning a data center project. This practice has occurred in other data center development deals across the country. Shannon McManus, a former sheriff's deputy, observed the data center construction site in Boyce, Louisiana, last month. McManus is one of the local residents who have voiced objections to the use of nondisclosure agreements during the project's negotiation phase.