Data center opposition is rising significantly, Penn survey shows
Opposition to new data center construction is significantly increasing among both Democrats and Republicans, according to a recent University of Pennsylvania survey. This rising concern is driven by worries over AI's proliferation, data centers' high water and electricity usage, and surveillance. A protest was held in Philadelphia, urging Senator John Fetterman to regulate the industry and refuse Big Tech campaign contributions.
A recent survey by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Policy Center indicates a significant rise in opposition to new data center construction among U.S. adults. Comparing two polls conducted four months apart, opposition jumped 12 points, from 49% in late winter to 61% in the summer. This increase is observed across both Democratic and Republican demographics.
The growing concerns were highlighted at a rally in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, outside U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s office. West Philly resident Sharmin Hossain, 33, expressed fears about the unchecked proliferation of artificial intelligence powered by these data centers, citing concerns over high water usage, rising electricity costs, and increased surveillance through technologies like Flock cameras. Protesters urged Sen. Fetterman to support stricter regulation of the data center industry and to reject campaign contributions from large technology companies. The rally was part of a broader national effort advocating for greater oversight of the rapidly expanding data center sector.