Labor unions are actively lobbying state legislatures considering data center rules, pressing for local hiring mandates, prevailing wage requirements, and community benefit agreements as conditions for development approvals. Politico reports the union push is reshaping negotiations in multiple states where data center bills are pending. The involvement adds a new constituency to debates that have previously centered on tax incentives, zoning, and environmental concerns. Outcomes in several states could set precedents for how future data center legislation balances industry investment against labor protections.