Bresnahan's proposed legislation aims to keep control local over data center development decisions

U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Luzerne County) has introduced the "Local Control Protection Act" in the U.S. House of Representatives, a federal bill designed to protect local communities that deny data center applications from litigation by large corporations. Bresnahan emphasized that the legislation aims to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent on public services rather than defending against lawsuits, and to empower local communities to make decisions based on documented findings related to public health, infrastructure, community character, or water concerns.

The proposed act would also prevent federal agencies from approving construction or operation permits if the developer has initiated or is maintaining legal action to challenge a local zoning denial. For approved projects seeking federal incentives, the legislation mandates publicly filed and legally enforceable Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) that include provisions for road, water, and utility infrastructure mitigation, environmental and noise monitoring, and a Local Workforce Utilization Plan to ensure local recruitment and partnerships with technical schools and community colleges.

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, Bresnahan's political opponent, criticized the bill as disingenuous, citing his alleged past broken promises and personal investments in data center stocks. She also referenced Bresnahan's support for Blackstone Infrastructure's $25 billion investment in natural gas power plants in Northeastern Pennsylvania, which is intended to support digital and energy infrastructure and backs companies like QTS, which plans a 12-building data center in Salem Twp. Bresnahan responded by stating that economic investment and community preservation can coexist, and local choices should be respected.