Why Americans Hate Data Centers: Let Us Count the Ways

Public sentiment towards data centers in the United States has seen a dramatic decline, particularly in areas where these facilities are prevalent. A recent Washington Post/Schar School poll revealed that only 35 percent of Virginians are now comfortable with new data center construction in their communities, a sharp drop from 69 percent just three years prior. This shift reflects a bipartisan opposition, with Democratic support falling from 72 percent to 28 percent, and Republican support from 67 percent to 47 percent. Key drivers behind this growing antipathy include fears of increased electricity bills, with 57 percent of Virginians believing data centers raise energy costs. Residents also express "there goes the neighborhood" sentiments, particularly regarding the development of massive centers on previously undeveloped land. Beyond local impacts, the widespread anxiety surrounding the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant factor, as AI's growth is directly fueling the surge in data center construction. Concerns about AI-driven job displacement, termed "the era of the mega-layoff" by the Wall Street Journal, and its impact on children's online lives contribute to public apprehension. This confluence of concerns has galvanized political action. Representatives Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently introduced a bill calling for a nationwide moratorium on new data center construction. While the bill faces opposition from former President Trump and corporate America and is unlikely to pass, its introduction highlights the growing political problem for AI proponents and the data center industry amid public unease over economic and societal impacts.