American technology giants including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta have announced billions of dollars in investments for data centers to power artificial intelligence. However, a recent Gallup survey reveals a significant hurdle: seven in 10 Americans oppose constructing AI data centers in their local area, with nearly half (48%) strongly opposed. Barely a quarter favor such projects, and only 7% are strongly in favor.
Key Findings from the Gallup Survey
This is the first time Gallup has asked about data center construction, a topic that has sparked fierce opposition in many parts of the United States. The survey parallels questions about local nuclear power plants: 53% oppose nuclear plants, far less than the 71% opposing data centers. Since 2001, opposition to nuclear plants has peaked at 63%.
Reasons for Opposition
Data centers house computing equipment for AI, requiring vast land, extensive electricity, and substantial water for cooling. This raises environmental and local utility cost concerns. When asked about environmental impact, 46% worry a great deal and 24% a fair amount. An open-ended April survey revealed that half of opponents cite excessive resource use: 18% each mention water and energy use, and 16% mention pollution (noise, air, water). About one in five opponents are concerned about quality-of-life impacts like increased population, traffic, or land use. A similar share mention negative economic consequences, including higher utility bills, cost-of-living increases, and taxpayer-funded construction costs. Remaining opposition stems from general concerns about artificial intelligence.
Reasons for Favoring Construction
Two-thirds of supporters cite economic benefits: 55% mention increased job opportunities, 13% mention increased tax revenue, and others note housing, infrastructure, or general economic benefits. Smaller shares mention personal or technological benefits of AI.
Demographic and Political Divisions
Majorities of all major demographic groups oppose data centers, but Democrats are much more likely to be strongly opposed (56%) than Republicans (39%), with independents at 48%. Women (55%) are more likely than men (43%) to strongly oppose. Total opposition shows no significant differences by age, race, education, income, or urbanicity, but is lower in the West (63%) and East (68%) than in the Midwest (76%) and South (75%). Environmental concerns drive the biggest gap: 78% of those worried about the environment oppose data centers, compared to 52% who are not worried. This gap is far larger than that seen for energy availability concerns (73% vs. 65%).
Implications for American Tech Companies
Expanding AI usage in the U.S. requires building data centers with sufficient computing power. While some have been built, often funded by large tech firms, the widespread 'not in my backyard' attitude—especially intense with nearly half strongly opposed—presents a major hurdle. The strong opposition is likely to spur grassroots activism and legal challenges. AI infrastructure could become a key campaign issue in local and state elections, and politicians supporting data centers may face political risk.
