Over 70 percent of Americans are against the construction of AI data centers in their neighborhoods, according to a recent Gallup survey. Only 7 percent of respondents expressed strong support for new data centers.
Preference for Nuclear Power
Interestingly, Gallup's data indicates that Americans are more willing to live near a nuclear power plant than a data center. At its peak, opposition to nuclear power plant construction was 63 percent, which is lower than the current opposition to data centers.
The survey, conducted in March 2026, involved 1,000 randomly selected American adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with an April 2026 survey of 2,054 adults from the Gallup Panel.
Resource Concerns
Among those opposing data centers, 50 percent cited concerns about the impact on resources like water and electricity. A Pew Research survey earlier this month also noted that 43 percent of Americans blame data centers for rising power bills.
Opposition to data centers was strongest among Democrats at 75 percent, followed by independent voters at 74 percent, and Republicans at 63 percent.
Quality of Life and Economic Impact
Quality-of-life concerns, effects on the cost of living, pollution, and negative views on AI are other significant reasons for opposition. Those in favor of new data centers often cite job opportunities, with 55 percent of supporters mentioning employment as a key factor.
Maine Governor Janet Mills recently vetoed an 18-month moratorium on new data center construction, citing jobs as her primary reason.
Public Sentiment
The survey highlights a significant public sentiment against the establishment of AI data centers in residential areas, with a preference for other energy sources and a focus on maintaining quality of life.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/930477/ai-data-centers-gallup-survey-70-percent-opposition
