HARRISBURG PA – Legislation that would prohibit Pennsylvania state and local government agencies from entering into non-disclosure agreements with prospective data center developers was introduced this week by Pottstown area Rep. Joe Ciresi (146th House District).
The proposed law is intended to ensure statewide “transparency and accountability” in data center development, Ciresi says. He presented the measure to the state’s House Communications & Technology Committee, of which he also is chair.
Data centers are generally described as secure facilities that house computer equipment, applications and data. Many of those currently proposed are large, would occupy several acres, and require sizable amounts of electrical power.
The agreements, referred to as “NDAs,” have the potential to require government officials to prevent discussion about specific aspects of developers’ plans, Ciresi reports. Some developers see them as a safeguard against competitors’ knowing their intentions. Some local government entities hope agreeing to an NDA gives them an edge in attracting new business.
Ciresi claims NDAs keep public officials from sharing data centers’ impact on the environment, zoning issues, and community life with residents.
The national Data Center Proposal Tracker reports 33 data centers have been proposed in Pennsylvania. Another 15 are in preliminary activity stages. Several are being considered for location in the state’s southeastern portion.
The tracker reports six data centers are already operating within Montgomery County at Collegeville, Norristown, Upper Merion Township (2), Lower Merion Township, and Eagleville; four in Berks County at Reading (2), Bern Township, and Wyomissing; and one in Chester County at East Whiteland Township.
Proposals have been introduced, it says, in Montgomery County at Limerick Township; in Berks County across Tilden and Centre Townships; and in Chester County at East Vincent and East Whiteland townships. One proposal in Chester County at North Coventry Township has been withdrawn, the tracker adds.
Ciresi’s proposed bill must pass through the committee, then through both the state House and Senate, and be signed by the governor before becoming law.
3-D rendering by Alex Shuper for Unsplash+, used under license
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