Almost half strongly oppose AI data centers in their area: Gallup
A Gallup poll found 48% of Americans strongly oppose AI data centers in their communities, while 23% somewhat oppose them. State and local measures to restrict or regulate data center construction have gained traction, with Maine banning large-scale projects and Wisconsin allowing voter referendums on tax-funded projects.
Nearly half of Americans oppose AI data centers in their area, according to a Gallup poll conducted from March 2 to 18. The survey of 1,000 respondents revealed that 48% would strongly oppose building such facilities, while 23% would somewhat oppose them. Only 27% expressed support, with 20% somewhat favoring and 7% strongly favoring the construction. The growing resistance to AI infrastructure has led to legislative action at the state and local levels. Maine became the first U.S. state to pass a bill in April banning large-scale data center development. Meanwhile, Wisconsin approved a referendum allowing voters to decide on major tax-funded projects, partly due to concerns over a local data center campus. The poll’s findings align with broader public sentiment against AI-driven infrastructure expansion, as companies increasingly cite AI as a reason for layoffs. April marked the second consecutive month where AI was the top justification for job cuts, according to recent analyses. The Gallup poll carries a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points, reflecting a significant shift in public perception toward AI data centers. The backlash highlights concerns over environmental impact, community disruption, and economic implications of rapid AI infrastructure growth.
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