U.S. Rep. Bresnahan introduces federal data center legislation amid proposals across NEPA
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan has introduced federal legislation, the "Local Control Protection Act," to protect local municipalities in Northeast Pennsylvania from lawsuits by data center developers whose projects are denied. The bill also mandates community benefit agreements and local labor for developers seeking federal incentives. This initiative responds to widespread community opposition and challenges with local zoning regulations amidst numerous data center proposals in the region.
U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, representing Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, has introduced federal legislation aimed at protecting local municipalities from data center developers. The proposed "Local Control Protection Act" would prevent companies from suing localities in federal court when data center projects are denied based on documented concerns like public health, infrastructure, or community character. Additionally, developers of approved data centers seeking federal incentives would be required to establish legally enforceable community benefit agreements and hire local labor.
Bresnahan stated the legislation is crucial to prevent "billion-dollar corporations" from overriding community voices and to protect small boroughs and townships from the "legal wrath" of well-resourced developers. He highlighted the financial strain prolonged court battles can impose on smaller municipalities, forcing them into an "impossible choice" between approving unwanted projects or draining their budgets.
The initiative arises amidst widespread community opposition to data center proposals across Northeast Pennsylvania, including areas like Archbald, Salem Township, and Hazle Township. Many local municipalities currently lack specific zoning ordinances for data centers or are in the process of developing them. Bresnahan's reelection challenger, Scranton's Democratic Mayor Paige Cognetti, has also proposed changes to Scranton's zoning laws to regulate data centers. The legislative proposal underscores a growing national sentiment against unchecked data center expansion in local communities.