Nondisclosure Agreements Conceal Data Center Negotiations From Public

Why it matters locally: Virginia is a major hub for data centers, and the widespread use of nondisclosure agreements in negotiations for these projects could limit transparency for residents and local officials across the Commonwealth, impacting land use and resource allocation discussions.

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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.