New survey shows Colorado registered voters have profound dislike of AI data centers
A new survey in Colorado reveals significant voter opposition to AI data centers, with 86% against them in their neighborhood and 75% statewide. Key concerns include water consumption during drought conditions, leading many to desire a construction ban or new zoning policies. A majority of respondents also hold an unfavorable view of AI technology.
A recent survey conducted by research group Magellan Strategies, polling 1,389 Colorado registered voters between August 26 and September 2, indicates widespread public aversion to data centers in the state.
The findings show that a substantial 86% of voters oppose data centers in their immediate neighborhoods, with 75% expressing opposition to such facilities anywhere in Colorado. A majority of those surveyed also favored a ban on data center construction, while approximately 25% called for new zoning and land use policies specifically for data centers.
Water consumption by data centers emerged as a significant concern, highlighted by Magellan Strategies in their report to CBS Colorado, especially amidst the state's drought conditions and extended wildfire season. Although 60% of respondents reported using AI technologies like ChatGPT or Claude in the past year, 66% expressed an unfavorable outlook on AI's future, often citing issues with the physical infrastructure rather than the technology itself.
Additional worries included AI's potential impact on education and critical thinking, as well as broader concerns about a lack of regulation and data mining without consent.