Pennsylvania Congressman Rob Bresnahan Introduces Bill Requiring Local Approval for Data Centers Amidst District Opposition
Republican Congressman Rob Bresnahan introduced the "Local Control Protection Act" to require local approval for data center construction in Pennsylvania, citing ongoing opposition in Archbald and Lackawanna County. The bill, currently stalled in committee, aims to empower local communities against large corporations. Critics note Bresnahan's prior pro-data center stance and stock holdings in data center companies.
The Scranton Times-Tribune fact-checked an advertisement for Republican Congressman Rob Bresnahan's campaign, focusing on his "Local Control Protection Act." The bill, introduced in June and referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary, mandates that data center developers obtain local approval before construction. Bresnahan asserts that the legislation, which has not progressed, would protect communities from legal battles with large corporations, referencing Archbald residents' ongoing fight against data center projects in Lackawanna County, which included a court win.
Critics of Bresnahan, who represents the Pennsylvania 8th Congressional District, highlight his past supportive stance on data center development, where he previously called them "catalysts for economic growth." Furthermore, Bresnahan holds stock valued between $19,005 and $110,000 in data center companies such as Equinix, Digital Realty Trust, Iron Mountain, and SBA Communications.
Despite these criticisms, Bresnahan's campaign spokesperson, Samantha Bullock, stated that favoring local control is not anti-investment but rather supports the will of the people and considers potential blue-collar jobs and economic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The ad, paid for by Rob For PA, emphasizes "local control" and "no secret deals (with developers)" regarding data center construction.