HARRISBURG – Legislation is forthcoming from Sen. Tracy Pennycuick of Berks & Montgomery Counties prohibiting state and local government agencies from entering into non-disclosure agreements for data center development. With broad recognition that data centers are an important part of the modern economy, data center development should not be forced into every community where residents have made clear they do not support it. A growing practice among data center developers is to require local governments to sign non-disclosure agreements regarding proposed data center projects, leaving residents out of the discussion. Officials have a responsibility to communicate openly and honestly with community residents, especially regarding the development of data centers. Signing a non-disclosure agreement restricts such duty. Pennycuick says by prohibiting state and local government agencies from entering into non-disclosure agreements, we can ensure that key decisions about the future of local communities are made with transparency and that the public is able to make their voices heard on important issues.
SEN. TRACY PENNYCUICK