N.J. voters divided on data center development nationally, strongly opposed locally: Stockton poll
A Stockton University poll found New Jersey voters evenly divided on data center development nationally, but opposition rises to 52% for projects in the state and 65% for projects in respondents' own towns. Voters most frequently cited higher electricity bills and effects on water supplies as their primary concerns.
A poll of 667 New Jersey registered voters by Stockton University's William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy found that 40% support and 40% oppose data center construction nationally. Opposition increased to 52% for development in New Jersey and 65% for construction in respondents' own towns, while only 18% supported local projects.
Alyssa Maurice, assistant director of the Hughes Center, said the results indicate both not-in-my-backyard sentiment and broader ideological opposition. Respondents most commonly identified higher electricity bills and effects on water supplies as concerns, while cited benefits included jobs, increased property tax revenue and improved competitiveness in the technology economy.