Rob Bresnahan Introduces Act to Limit Data Center Lawsuits

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan introduced the Local Control Protection Act on Thursday to increase the authority of local governments over large-scale data center developments. The legislation aims to protect small boroughs, townships, and counties from federal lawsuits by developers if a project is denied due to concerns regarding public health, infrastructure, water resources, or community character.

The bill would prohibit federal agencies from issuing permits to developers currently suing to overturn local zoning denials. For projects that are approved and receive federal incentives, the act mandates legally enforceable community benefit agreements, which include local workforce utilization plans, noise monitoring, and infrastructure mitigation.

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, who is challenging Bresnahan for reelection in Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district, dismissed the proposal as a charade. Cognetti alleges that the congressman is personally invested in data center stocks and is attempting to mislead constituents while benefiting from the industry's expansion in Northeastern Pennsylvania.