Local Control Protection Act

This bill, known as the "Local Control Protection Act," seeks to bolster the authority of local governments in making zoning decisions regarding data center development. It stipulates that federal courts shall not have jurisdiction to hear challenges to local government determinations to preclude such development, provided the decision was made by a recorded vote with documented findings. Furthermore, no federal agency may approve permits for a covered data center if its developer is actively challenging a local zoning denial in court.

The legislation also introduces new requirements for federal tax incentives related to data centers. To qualify for federal tax credits, developers must execute and publicly disclose a legally enforceable agreement with the chief executive of the local government. This agreement must include terms addressing local tax liabilities, infrastructure mitigation for road, water, and utility impacts, and environmental monitoring protocols. It also mandates a Local Workforce Utilization Plan, which details efforts to recruit local workers, identifies partnerships with local training programs, and demonstrates a preference for local contractors.