Commentary: Data centers, non-disclosure agreements and democracy

Commentary: Data centers, non-disclosure agreements and democracy

Data centers evoke strong and conflicting opinions. Advocates point to the truly significant revenue they can generate for local governments. Opponents point to data centers’ enormous energy needs, climate impacts, water use and their capacity to diminish the quality of…

Data centers, non-disclosure agreements and democracy

Interior of a modern data center. (Photo by Imaginima/Getty Images)Data centers evoke strong and conflicting opinions. Advocates point to the truly significant revenue they can generate for local governments. Opponents point to data centers’ enormous energy needs, climate impacts, water use and their capacity to diminish the quality of life for residents living nearby. Will special rate classes protect Va. residents from the costs of serving dat…