Many Manitowoc County residents were concerned about one aspect of what could happen if an AI Data Center were built.
During a question-and-answer portion of the AI center presentation in Mishicot on Monday, Environmental Attorney Julie Labs said some companies that want to build a data center will sign an NDA, or non-disclosure agreement, with local elected officials or landowners.
One resident called it counterproductive and asked if that’s possible. Labs said it has happened, but some legislators are trying to prevent that.
State Senator Andre Jacque explained to the crowd that a bill in need of co-sponsors is circulating at the state Capitol.
“Basically, it not only would say that a data center or any of their agents could not engage in a non-disclosure agreement,” he explained. “It pertains to both keeping information from your local elected officials as well as keeping any information from the broader community about what’s proposed.”
Jacque continued to say that the law would also not allow a data center to be built if an NDA were signed.
Labs also discussed how a landowner could sign an NDA.
She says the agreements have a lot of information, saying, “You’re putting in front of them a 10, 12, 15 page legal document in front of them, what are they focused on? You’re offering me $120,000 per acre. That’s what they’re (a farmer or group) focused on, not how much other legalese is in there.”
A volunteer firefighter also asked about the water usage of an AI data center and how their departments could be affected.
More than 200 people attended the Gray Fox Bar and Grill to hear a presentation on a proposed AI Data Center.
The issue has arisen after a group seeking land to build an AI data center approached some farmers to see whether they would sell their land.
