Wisconsin Rapids Asked Who's Moving In. The Answer Was an NDA.
Residents in Wisconsin Rapids are concerned about a new building's occupant, which is protected by a non-disclosure agreement. Senate Bill 969, which would have banned such NDAs for data centers, passed committee but failed to receive a floor vote in the State Senate before adjournment. A Marquette Law School poll indicates that 76% of Wisconsin voters believe data center costs outweigh their benefits.
Residents of Wisconsin Rapids have voiced concerns about a new building's purpose and its future occupant, with the specific information withheld due to a non-disclosure agreement. This situation highlights a broader issue of transparency regarding data center developments in Wisconsin.
A legislative solution was proposed in Senate Bill 969, which aimed to prohibit the use of NDAs in such cases. The bill was recommended for passage by a committee with a 4-to-1 vote, and other related data center legislation also saw movement, including one bill that passed the State Assembly. However, the State Senate adjourned in March without conducting a floor vote on SB 969, leaving the bill in limbo without public explanation.
Public sentiment in Wisconsin appears to favor greater scrutiny of data center projects. A Marquette Law School Poll revealed that 76% of Wisconsin voters believe the costs associated with data centers outweigh their benefits, indicating significant public apprehension. Despite local efforts by towns to address these issues, the video suggests that state-level action, such as a special session, is needed to revisit the proposed legislation and ensure transparency for residents.