Poll Finds Broad Opposition to Data Centers Across New Jersey
A Rutgers-Eagleton Poll found that most New Jersey adults oppose data centers in their own towns, neighboring counties and anywhere in the state. Residents cited concerns about electricity and water consumption, higher utility bills and environmental effects, despite widespread personal use of artificial intelligence.
A Rutgers-Eagleton Poll found broad opposition to data centers among New Jersey residents. Seventy-two percent opposed a facility in their own town or city, while 64% opposed one in a neighboring county and 62% opposed data centers anywhere in the state. Respondents said the facilities’ costs, including electricity and water use and potentially higher utility bills, outweighed their benefits by a 55%-11% margin.
The poll also found that skepticism extends to artificial intelligence, even though 36% of residents said they intentionally use AI tools at least daily. Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling, said residents generally view AI as useful in their daily lives but are more negative about its effects on the environment, jobs and education. The survey of 1,004 New Jersey adults was conducted Sept. 24-27 and has a margin of error of 4.1 percentage points.