Louisiana residents learned of 300-acre data center only as construction began, after NDAs shielded deal

Nondisclosure agreements between Dallas-based Applied Digital Corp. and Louisiana officials kept a 300-acre data center in Boyce hidden from residents until construction was imminent, NPR reported August 27, 2026. Residents confronted local officials, citing concerns about utility bills and environmental impacts. Experts told NPR the practice is common nationwide; at least five states have moved to restrict it.