Gallup: 71% of Americans Oppose AI Data Centers Near Them — Less Popular Than Nuclear Plants

Gallup·high signal

In Gallup's first-ever survey on data center construction (1,000 adults, March 2-18), 71% oppose building AI data centers in their area — significantly higher than the 53% who oppose nuclear plants nearby. Concerns center on land use, electricity costs, and water consumption for cooling. Opposition spans party lines: 56% of Democrats, 48% of independents, and 39% of Republicans oppose local data centers.