Published • loading... • Updated
Gallup poll: 7 in 10 Americans don’t want AI data centers near them
Nearly half of opponents strongly object, and Gallup says environmental and resource concerns drive most of the backlash to new AI infrastructure.
- Seven in 10 Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local communities, according to Gallup data released Wednesday.
- Driven by resource consumption fears, half of opponents cite heavy water and energy use as primary reasons, while 16% raise alarms regarding noise, air, and water pollution.
- Democrats show the highest levels of intense resistance at 56%, compared to 39% of Republicans; geographically, opposition is highest in the Midwest at 76%, exceeding the 53% opposed to nuclear plants.
- Politicians favoring data centers face significant political risk, as the intensity of opposition suggests incoming grassroots activism and legal challenges in upcoming local and state elections.
- Expanding artificial intelligence in the U.S. necessitates building more data centers to support computing power, yet nearly half of respondents stated they are 'strongly opposed,' posing a major hurdle.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
44 Articles
44 Articles
70% of Americans oppose data center construction, survey finds
May 14, 2026 – On the Money INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Here is a look at Thursday’s business headlines with Jane King, who has the latest on data center opposition and beer sales drying up as gas prices rise. 70% of Americans oppose data center construction A new Gallup survey shows that 7 in 10 Americans oppose data center construction. Opposition crosses party lines, though Democrats are more likely to take a harder stance. Environmental concerns d…
·Indianapolis, United States
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources44
Leaning Left9Leaning Right8Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 26%
C 50%
R 24%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
