Gallup Poll: 71% Oppose Local AI Data Centers

A new Gallup poll released this week reveals that 71 percent of Americans oppose constructing artificial intelligence data centers in their local communities, with 48 percent strongly opposed, marking the first time the organization has surveyed public views on the facilities.

The survey, conducted March 2 to 18, found opposition significantly higher than to nuclear power plants nearby, where 53 percent expressed resistance. Respondents opposing data centers most frequently cited environmental concerns, including heavy electricity and water consumption, pollution such as noise and emissions, and potential increases in utility bills. About half of opponents highlighted resource use, with 18 percent each specifying energy and water demands. An additional 16 percent mentioned pollution, while roughly one in five raised quality-of-life issues like traffic or land use preferences. Supporters, numbering just over a quarter overall with 7 percent strongly in favor, primarily pointed to economic benefits, including job creation cited by 55 percent and tax revenue.

The findings come amid a surge in data center construction driven by AI demand. Construction has increased 228 percent since...