Poll: Voters hold negative view of data centers
A Bowling Green University poll found that Ohio voters generally view data centers negatively, particularly regarding environmental effects, energy costs and quality of life. Most respondents opposed data center construction in their local communities and said candidates’ positions on the issue could influence their votes.
A Bowling Green University poll of 1,000 likely Ohio voters found broad concern about data centers. Seventy percent said their environmental impact was mostly negative, while 69% viewed their effect on home energy costs negatively and 65% expressed concern about quality of life near facilities.
Opposition was strongest when respondents considered construction in their own communities, with 75% opposing or strongly opposing it. Seventy-eight percent favored or strongly favored temporarily banning new data center construction until more information about its effects could be gathered. The poll, conducted Sept. 1-10, reported a margin of error of plus or minus 3.96 percentage points, and most respondents said candidates’ data center positions would matter to their votes.