Gallup finds data center opposition

A recent Gallup poll, conducted from March 2-18, found that 70% of Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local communities, with 48% expressing strong opposition. This widespread sentiment mirrors the local opposition seen in Oklahoma cities such as Coweta, Broken Arrow, Sand Springs, Piedmont, Luther, and Yukon, where residents are actively fighting proposed data center projects. Gallup's survey, the first of its kind regarding data center construction, revealed that opponents primarily cite environmental concerns and the excessive use of resources, including water and energy. Other worries include noise, air, and water pollution, along with negative impacts on local quality of life, increased traffic, and potential economic downsides such as higher utility bills and increased cost of living. Conversely, two-thirds of those in favor of data center development highlighted economic benefits, specifically job creation (55%) and increased tax revenue (13%). The poll also indicated demographic differences, with Democrats (56%) more likely than Republicans (39%) to be strongly opposed, and women (55%) showing greater strong opposition than men (43%). Opposition was slightly higher in the Midwest and South compared to the West and East, and significantly higher among those concerned about environmental quality.