US Voters Oppose New AI Data Centers, Poll Finds

A poll of 1,503 likely US midterm voters found that 61% oppose building data centers to support artificial intelligence, while 34% support it, according to findings reported by TechRadar. The research was published by The New York Times and Siena University. The survey covered several issues, and economic and foreign policy concerns ranked above data centers as priorities for most voters.

Views differed by party. Among voters who supported Republicans in 2024, 49% backed data center construction and 47% opposed it. Among Democratic supporters, 18% supported construction and 75% opposed it. The survey also found that 56% favored limits on AI data centers, while 38% supported a total ban on further construction.

On the concerns behind opposition, 32% cited water use or environmental effects as their biggest worry, 21% pointed to effects on local communities and resources, and 18% expressed general distrust or dislike of AI. Economic effects on local jobs and economies concerned 9%, while 10% cited AI regulation. A slight majority, 42% to 40%, said they trusted Republicans to handle data center issues.

The poll was completed before President Trump spoke against guardrails that he believes could hamper the US in the AI race with China. The source says environmental concerns include wildlife, water use, and nearby communities.