Minnesota lawmakers propose bill to ban data center NDAs with local governments
Minnesota state lawmakers are proposing a bill to ban non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for city officials regarding data center developments, aiming for greater transparency and public trust. This legislative push comes amidst community opposition to large data center proposals and includes another bill requiring public hearings and disclosure of developers and electricity consumption.
A bipartisan group of Minnesota state lawmakers is advocating for legislation to prohibit local government officials from entering into non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with private companies, particularly concerning data center proposals. The group, comprising both Republican and Democratic representatives, emphasized the need for this ban before an upcoming hearing on the bill. They argue that current NDA practices erode public trust and prevent constituents from accessing crucial information about decisions made by their local governments. State lawmakers expressed concern that local elected officials are being pressured by powerful corporations into signing contracts that withhold information from the public.
Concurrently, another related bill progressing through the legislature aims to enhance transparency by requiring cities to conduct public hearings for any data center proposal. This bill would also mandate the identification of the data center's developer and disclosure of its projected electricity consumption. These legislative efforts come in response to significant community opposition and pushback against large data center developments proposed across Minnesota.