Survey: Californians really don’t want more data centers
A new survey by the Public Policy Institute of California reveals that 73% of adult Californians oppose the construction of data centers in their communities, reflecting broader nationwide concerns. Opposition is particularly strong in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles, with environmental worries prevalent in the San Francisco Bay Area, leading to specific actions like a citywide ban in Monterey Park and lawsuits in Imperial Valley.
A recent survey by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) indicates significant statewide opposition to artificial intelligence data centers among adult Californians. The poll of 1,578 adults found that 73% oppose data center construction in their communities, a sentiment mirrored in national surveys. While a majority of both Democrats and Republicans disapprove, Republicans show slightly more favorability.
TheThe opposition poses a challenge for the AI industry, which contributes substantially to California's economy. Residents in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles expressed the strongest opposition, while San Francisco Bay Area residents showed the highest concern regarding environmental impacts. This widespread disapproval has led to concrete actions, including a citywide ban on data centers in Monterey Park and ongoing lawsuits in Imperial Valley challenging a proposed data center plan.
The survey also touched upon broader environmental and economic issues in California, noting a softening of support for some environmental regulations due to high living costs. For instance, 66% of respondents oppose Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2035 ban on new gas-powered car sales, and while 62% support a mandate for renewable electricity by 2045, a similar percentage finds energy costs too high. This indicates a tension between environmental goals and affordability concerns among Californians.