Bresnahan calls for local control of data centers
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan advocates for a federal bill to grant local governments more control over data center development, allowing them to reject projects without facing federal lawsuits. He highlighted local opposition in Sugarloaf Township and Archbald, where communities are grappling with proposed data centers and associated infrastructure like power lines. Bresnahan emphasized that local communities are best suited to decide on such developments and their associated impacts on resources and local labor.
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Dallas Twp.) articulated his support for a federal bill aimed at empowering local governments to make autonomous decisions regarding data center developments, shielding them from potential federal lawsuits if they choose to reject such projects. Speaking at a Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce breakfast in Butler Township on July 29, Bresnahan emphasized that local communities possess the best understanding of their needs and should not be dictated to by the federal government. He also detailed provisions within the proposed bill, which include requiring developers to cover all infrastructure costs and prioritize local labor for construction if a community approves a data center.
Bresnahan's remarks came as his political opponent, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, launched an advertisement criticizing data centers, comparing them to extractive industries that leave environmental burdens and advocating for local hiring and against increased electricity bills or pollution. Bresnahan defended a past investment in Credo Technology, a data center component supplier, as minor and not personally managed.
The Congressman cited current challenges faced by communities like Sugarloaf Township in Luzerne County, where residents oppose a proposed data center and its power line, leading to a legal dispute over local regulations in county court. He also mentioned Archbald Borough in Lackawanna County, which has multiple proposed data centers. Bresnahan reiterated that the ultimate decision to permit or deny data centers should rest with local communities.