Americans don’t want AI data centers in their backyards

More than 70 percent of Americans oppose AI data infrastructure in their community, according to new data Gallup poll. Only seven percent said they were “strongly” in favor of a new data center. According to Gallup, data centers are so hated that Americans would rather live near a nuclear power plant than a data center — even at the peak, opposition to nuclear construction rose to 63 percent.

Gallup’s data is based on a March 2026 survey of 1,000 randomly selected adults in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia, and an April 2026 survey of 2,054 adults “who are members of the Gallup Panel.” Among the opponents, 50 percent said that data storage facilities for things like water and electricity were their biggest concern. A Pew Research published earlier this month also reported that 43 percent of Americans see data storage as the “biggest reason” for rising energy bills.

Opposition to new data center infrastructure was strongest among Democrats at 75 percent, followed by 74 percent of independent voters and 63 percent of Republicans.

About the good lifecost of living effects, pollutionand AI misconceptions It was among the top reasons why the respondents did not agree with the infrastructure in their area. Of those who support the new data center, 55 percent said job opportunities are their main reason. Maine Governor Janet Mills he also mentioned work as his reason for defying an 18-month ban on building new data centers in his state earlier this year.