New poll: Americans and Utahns willing to forgo jobs, national security amid opposition to data centers
A new poll shows strong opposition among Utahns and Americans to building data centers near residential areas, even when framed against national security or economic benefits. This opposition is intensifying, with specific projects like the Stratos Project in Box Elder County facing significant community pushback and becoming a campaign issue for political candidates. State and federal governments are also considering increased regulatory policies for data centers.
A new Deseret News-Hinckley Institute poll reveals significant opposition to data centers among Utahns and Americans, with most unwilling to prioritize job creation or national security concerns over protecting communities from nearby data center development. The poll found 67% of respondents preferred community protection over building data centers for AI competition with China, and 59% held this view when economic growth was the alternative.
This sentiment is intensifying politically, particularly in Utah. The proposed 20,000-acre Stratos Project in Box Elder County faces 66% opposition from Utahns, becoming a key issue for political candidates such as Democratic nominee Peter Crosby for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, who advocates for local control and criticized Box Elder County commissioners for allegedly disregarding residents' concerns. Other specific projects mentioned include the GTS data center under construction in Eagle Mountain and the Creekstone Energy data center in Millard County, which is projected to create 106 jobs.
Experts like Aaron Starks of 47G highlight the critical role of data centers for U.S. AI leadership against China, noting challenges in acquiring suitable land and electricity infrastructure domestically. Zach Boyd, director of Utah's Office of Artificial Intelligence, indicated that Governor Spencer Cox has urged the federal government for more regulatory policies, while Utah itself considers new legislation. Despite arguments emphasizing national interest, the poll underscores widespread public resistance to data center construction near residential areas.