Wyoming Local Officials Say They Never Signed Data Center Nondisclosure Agreements

Wyoming local government officials across various data center-heavy regions report that they have not signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with data center companies, despite the state's public-records law potentially allowing it under certain conditions. Mayors and county commission chairs from areas like Cheyenne, Laramie County, Uinta County, Lincoln County, Casper, and Converse County affirmed their commitment to transparency.

Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins and Laramie County Commission Chair Gunnar Malm, representing Wyoming's most active data center region, stated they have not signed such agreements, with Collins noting his only NDA was with Cheyenne LEADS, an economic development group he serves on. Malm also mentioned that Google's "Project Jade" data center project is expected to be smaller than initially planned, with its approval following all required public meetings.

Uinta County Commission Chair Mark Anderson confirmed no NDAs were signed, highlighting that for projects on private land, the county's role primarily involves zoning and land-use compliance. Meanwhile, Converse County Commission Chair Jim Willox, whose county attempted to fast-track data centers, also stated he has never been asked to sign an NDA.

Gillette-based attorney Tom Lubnau clarified that while Wyoming law allows for NDAs with local governments for "trade secrets," the state's public-records act (Wyoming statute 16-4-203) mandates disclosure in many instances, making such agreements complex.