Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Ciresi introduces legislation to require transparency in data center development

Ciresi introduces legislation to require transparency in data center development

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    April 7, 2026 | 3:57 PM

HARRISBURG, April 7 – Legislation to require transparency in data center development in Pennsylvania, H.B. 2359, was introduced by the PA House Communications & Technology Committee majority chair, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, this week.

According to Ciresi, many developers in Pennsylvania and across the country are requiring local governments to sign non-disclosure agreements to prevent discussion about controversial aspects of data center development and operation. These NDAs prevent officials from sharing data centers’ impact on the environment, zoning issues, and community life with residents.

“Public officials’ core responsibility is to clearly inform residents about decisions that could impact their lives, such as data center development in their communities. These NDAs prevent them from fulfilling their essential duties, ultimately misleading the public and limiting Pennsylvanians’ active and informed participation in their self-governance,” Ciresi said. “My legislation would ensure transparency and accountability—the foundations of good governance—by prohibiting state and local government agencies from entering into NDAs with data center developers.”