US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is calling for restrictions on non-disclosure agreements between data center developers and government officials or agencies, arguing that communities should be able to access information about projects that could significantly affect local resources and infrastructure.
Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said the public should have access to information before decisions regarding major data center developments are finalized. The information could include projected water and electricity consumption, infrastructure requirements and financial incentives funded by taxpayers.
The Illinois Democrat argued that agreements preventing government entities from sharing such information can limit public understanding of developments that may have significant consequences for surrounding communities. He said residents should be informed about potential impacts while projects are still being considered rather than learning about them after major decisions have already been made.
The issue has gained attention as data center construction expands across different parts of the United States. These facilities support cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other digital services but can require substantial amounts of electricity, water and supporting infrastructure. According to NPR, some proposed data center projects have involved NDAs that restrict government officials or entities from disclosing information about planned developments.
Residents in communities where such projects have been proposed have questioned the use of confidentiality agreements and called for greater transparency. The debate centers on how much information should be available to the public when developments could influence local resources, infrastructure planning and taxpayer spending.
Krishnamoorthi has previously advocated for greater transparency within government. On June 6, he wrote to Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor seeking information about a proposed government-wide NDA involving federal employees.
His position also follows earlier efforts to increase disclosure requirements within federal agencies. In February 2025, he cosponsored the LEASH DOGE Act, legislation that would have sought greater public disclosure regarding agency employees and advisers.
His latest proposal places data center development within that broader transparency debate, focusing specifically on agreements between private developers and government bodies. The proposal reflects growing attention to how communities receive information about large infrastructure projects and the potential effects those developments may have on public resources.
For residents, the central issue is whether details concerning resource use, infrastructure requirements and public incentives should remain confidential during negotiations or be disclosed before government decisions are finalized.
