SB853: End Secret Data Center Deals
Favorable · Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee · March 5, 2026
Testimony by Andrew Eneim, Ellis/Andrews organizing lead, on behalf of the Science Policy and Diplomacy Group at Johns Hopkins University
Full Title: Economic Development Activity - Nondisclosure Agreements
Sponsor: Senator Sydnor
MGA Page: SB853
Video
Testimony as Delivered
Good afternoon. My name is Andrew Eneim, and I am testifying on behalf of the Science Policy and Diplomacy Group at Johns Hopkins University. We are a group of early-career scientists committed to ensuring that public policy is guided by the best available scientific evidence. We are here today in strong support of SB 853 as amended.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to bring meaningful benefits to Marylanders — from advances in transportation to medical research. However, this progress must not come at the expense of our communities, our environment, or public health. The rapid expansion of large-scale AI data center proposals across Maryland raises serious concerns about energy demand, water use, air quality, and the long-term community impacts.
How do we know about these risks? Because we rely on evidence. Scientists collect data, analyze trends, and model future impacts to help decision-makers, and the public understand the risks. But too often, we are denied access to this critical information. Non-disclosure agreements between data center developers and public officials prevent the release of critical information that undermines the public's ability to evaluate potential harms. When key information is hidden, evidence-based policymaking becomes impossible.
SB 853 is a critical step toward ensuring that a story similar to that of Memphis, where communities are being covered in the toxic pollutants of a hyperscale data center, does not unfold in Maryland. By prohibiting public officials from entering into non-disclosure agreements with data center developers, this bill protects the public's right to information. Transparency allows independent experts to evaluate proposals, enables communities to make informed decisions, and ensures that any promise of economic development does not override public health and environmental protections.
If a data center proposal truly benefits Marylanders, it should withstand public scrutiny.
We respectfully urge the committee to issue a favorable report on SB 853 as amended.
Andrew Eneim is the organizing lead for the Ellis/Andrews campaign. Andy Ellis and Owen Silverman Andrews are seeking the Green Party nomination for Governor and Lt. Governor of Maryland.
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