Poll: 69% nationwide believe data center costs outweigh benefits

A national poll conducted by the Marquette University Law School indicates that 69% of U.S. adults now believe the costs associated with data centers surpass their benefits, marking a 7% increase since January. This growing sentiment is bipartisan, with majorities of Republicans (62%), Democrats (76%), and independents (73%) expressing this view. The survey, which questioned 982 voters nationwide, found results consistent with a similar poll in Wisconsin where 69% of voters also felt costs outweighed benefits. The article highlights how large-scale data center projects often benefit from hidden tax incentives and sales tax waivers on construction materials, contributing to public concern. A report from Good Jobs First pointed out that 14 states and numerous local governments fail to disclose the revenue lost due to data center tax breaks. For instance, Wisconsin has forgone $70 million in sales tax over two years due to exemptions for certified data centers in locations like Mount Pleasant, Verona, Beaver Dam, and Port Washington. The report also notes that a deeper look into just three states revealed over $1 billion in annual losses from such tax breaks. An accompanying photo shows a protest sign against a proposed data center development in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.