Majority of Coloradans Dislike AI, New Survey Finds
A new survey reveals that two-thirds of Coloradans dislike AI, with a majority also opposing data center construction due to concerns over environmental impact, water, and electricity usage. This public sentiment has led to local governments across Colorado enacting moratoriums on data center development. The state legislature previously deferred decisions on regulating data centers.
A recent survey conducted by Magellan Strategies, a nonpartisan research firm based in Broomfield, Colorado, indicates that two-thirds of Coloradans hold an unfavorable view of artificial intelligence, with younger demographics expressing the strongest opposition. The survey, which polled nearly 1,400 registered voters, also uncovered significant public dislike for data centers, the foundational infrastructure for AI.
Fifty-five percent of respondents voiced support for data center construction bans, while 26% advocated for specific new zoning regulations for these facilities. Opposition escalated with proximity to a hypothetical data center, with 75% opposing them statewide and 86% in their own neighborhoods. Primary concerns articulated by opponents revolved around the excessive consumption of water and power, particularly in light of Colorado's drought conditions and electricity capacity challenges, and the potential for increased electricity costs.
These survey findings emerge as global AI leaders, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Google DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis, advocate for a more cautious approach to AI development, prioritizing safety. In Colorado, state lawmakers previously passed a refined AI law in 2024 but postponed decisions on data center regulation, prompting various local governments throughout the state to enact moratoriums on new data center development, although some municipalities remain open to them. The overall sentiment also reflects a general distrust of major tech company leaders and apprehensions regarding AI's future impact on employment and elections.