Americans opt for nuclear plant over AI data center in backyard: Poll

A new Gallup poll conducted in March revealed that 71% of Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local areas, driven by concerns over resource usage, energy consumption, and environmental impact. The survey highlighted that 50% of respondents worried about water usage, grid constraints, and loss of farmland, while 20% cited rising utility bills and cost-of-living increases as key issues. In contrast, only 53% of Americans expressed opposition to nuclear energy plants being built nearby, marking the highest opposition level (63%) to nuclear plants since Gallup began tracking the question in 2001. Supporters of AI data centers, however, emphasized local economic benefits, with 66% pointing to job opportunities, tax revenue, and infrastructure development as positives. The poll comes as major tech companies accelerate plans to build AI data centers across the U.S., with 67% of the over 3,000 existing data centers located in rural communities, according to Pew Research Center data. While tech firms argue these projects bring billions in investment and millions of jobs, lawmakers are increasingly questioning who bears the financial burden—taxpayers or the billion-dollar corporations funding the projects. In Utah, entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary faced local opposition after securing approval for a data center project, despite his claims that sustainability is central to the design. O’Leary acknowledged concerns about air, water use, heat, and noise pollution in a May social media post, stating that his team prioritizes the best available technology to address these issues. The debate underscores a growing divide between tech industry expansion and community concerns over energy costs, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability. As AI data centers proliferate in rural areas, lawmakers and residents continue to grapple with balancing economic growth against potential drawbacks.