Most Americans Oppose AI Data Centers In Their Communities, New Poll Shows

A Gallup poll released Wednesday found that 7 in 10 Americans oppose building AI data centers in their local areas, including 48% who are strongly opposed. Only 7% of respondents expressed strong support for such projects. Opponents highlighted excessive resource consumption, particularly water and energy use, as well as environmental concerns like pollution and noise. About 20% of those opposed also worried about negative impacts on quality of life, such as increased traffic and population growth. The survey aligns with growing public resistance to data center projects across the U.S., where concerns over energy and water consumption have led to opposition in multiple communities. The number of data centers in the country more than doubled from 2018 to 2021, driven by the AI boom, according to the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Virginia remains the top state for data centers, followed by Texas and California, with the top 10 states accounting for 60% of the nation’s total. Global spending on AI data center construction is projected to exceed $7 trillion by 2030, as reported by CNBC. Meanwhile, a recent incident in north-central Georgia saw a data center campus consume over 29 million gallons of water before local authorities intervened, causing water shortages in the surrounding area. The case underscores the strain such facilities can place on regional infrastructure. The poll reflects broader unease over the environmental and logistical challenges posed by rapid data center expansion. With AI demand driving further growth, local opposition may intensify, particularly in areas already hosting large concentrations of these facilities.