A recent study reveals significant public disapproval of data centers, with 71 percent of Americans expressing an unfavorable view. The primary concern highlighted by respondents is the substantial consumption of water and electricity by these facilities.
Further insights from a new Gallup survey indicate that over 70 percent of Americans actively oppose the construction of AI data centers within their local communities. A mere seven percent reported being "strongly" in favor of such developments. Notably, Gallup's findings suggest that the aversion to data centers is so pronounced that Americans would rather reside near a nuclear power plant, a facility that historically garnered peak opposition of 63 percent, than a data center.
Gallup's comprehensive data draws from two surveys: one conducted in March 2026, involving 1,000 randomly selected American adults across all 50 states and D.C., and another in April 2026, surveying 2,054 members of the Gallup Panel. Among those who voiced opposition, half identified the impact on vital resources like water and electricity as their foremost concern. This sentiment is echoed by a Pew Research survey published earlier this month, which found that 43 percent of Americans consider data centers a "major reason" behind escalating power bills.
The resistance to new data center construction exhibits a clear partisan divide, with opposition strongest among Democrats at 75 percent. Independent voters followed closely at 74 percent, while 63 percent of Republicans also expressed disapproval.
Beyond resource consumption, survey respondents cited various other factors contributing to their opposition, including concerns over quality of life, effects on the cost of living, potential pollution, and generally negative perceptions of artificial intelligence. Conversely, for the segment of the population that supports new data centers, 55 percent cited job creation as their primary motivation. This perspective was notably shared by Maine Governor Janet Mills, who referenced employment opportunities as her rationale for vetoing an 18-month moratorium on new data center construction in her state earlier this year.
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