Tri-State congressman pushes bill to ban secret data center deal
Ohio Congressman Greg Landsman introduced a bipartisan bill, the "No Secrets for Data Centers Act," aimed at preventing big tech companies and public officials from signing non-disclosure agreements regarding data center deals. The bill, co-sponsored by Michigan Congressman Tom Barrett, seeks to ensure transparency for communities affected by data center projects, specifically citing issues in Wilmington, Ohio, where residents learned of a project after negotiations were complete. It would void existing NDAs and prohibit government subsidies tied to confidentiality.
Ohio Congressman Greg Landsman, a Democrat, has introduced the “No Secrets for Data Centers Act” in Congress this week, a bipartisan piece of legislation designed to mandate public disclosure for all AI data center deals. The bill, co-sponsored by Michigan Republican Congressman Tom Barrett, aims to prevent big tech companies from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to conceal details of data center projects from the public.
Landsman emphasized the need to protect communities and ratepayers, citing an instance in Wilmington, Ohio, where residents reportedly learned about a data center project only after negotiations were finalized. The proposed legislation would void any NDAs signed by government officials related to data center projects and prohibit big tech companies from receiving government subsidies if confidentiality is a condition. Congressman Barrett echoed concerns about communities being kept in the dark regarding potential impacts on land, water, and electricity bills.
Landsman expressed optimism for the bill's momentum given its bipartisan support. He has also introduced related legislation, including the "No Harm Data Centers Act" and the "Protecting Families from AI Data Center Energy Costs Act," indicating a broader legislative effort to regulate the data center industry.