70% of Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their communities.

A survey conducted by the research firm Gallup revealed that 7 out of 10 Americans oppose the construction of an AI data center in their local area.

Americans Oppose AI Data Centers in Their Area

Gallup conducted its first survey on data center construction from March 2 to 18, 2026.

AI data centers are facilities that require a lot of electricity and water, raising concerns about the environment and electricity costs in the areas where they are built. In Maryland, state authorities have challenged federal agencies over the passing on of the costs of infrastructure upgrades to meet the demand, including those for AI data centers, to customers.

The question posed by Gallup was, 'Overall, do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose the construction of a data center in your area to support America's AI and related technologies?' There were four options for the answer.

The results showed that 7% 'strongly agree,' 20% 'somewhat agree,' 23% 'somewhat disagree,' and 48% 'strongly disagree.' Roughly speaking, more than 70% hold opposing views to AI data centers.

Gallup has conducted similar surveys on building nuclear power plants in local areas, and in its most recent survey in March 2026, 53% of respondents were opposed. The first time Gallup conducted a survey on nuclear power was in 2001, and the highest percentage of opposition was 63%, so it can be said that 'people are more averse to AI data centers than to nuclear power plants.'

To gain a deeper understanding of the reasons for and against AI data centers, Gallup also conducted an open-ended survey in April 2026.

The following is a classification of the reasons for opposition. Since respondents were allowed to give free-response answers and multiple answers were permitted, the total exceeds 100%. The most common reason was 'negative impact on the environment' (50%). Further classification revealed that 'excessive use of water' and 'excessive use of energy' were tied at 18%, followed by 'unspecified environmental burden' at 14%, 'decline in nature and wildlife' at 7%, and 'waste of resources' at 6%.

On the other hand, among those who support the change, the most common answer was 'economic benefits' at 66%, with many expressing expectations of opportunities to gain employment.

When opinions were broken down by political party affiliation, 75% of Democratic supporters were more opposed, but more than half of Republican supporters (63%) were also opposed.

When broken down by gender, more women (55%) than men (43%) were 'strongly opposed,' but there were no significant differences in age, race, education, income, or urban status.

Gallup's survey results indicate that the construction of AI data centers is likely to face grassroots opposition from local residents and legal action, placing politicians who promote AI data centers in a politically high-risk position.