A nationwide poll released Sunday reveals 69% of Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local areas, including 45% who strongly oppose the idea. Only 31% support such projects, according to the NBC News Decision Desk survey of 7,055 adults conducted from August 20 to September 1. The findings highlight concerns that cut across political, demographic, and geographic lines, with 70% of respondents expressing more worry than excitement about AI infrastructure.
Officials in at least 11 states have shifted their stances on data centers amid public backlash, reflecting a broader re-evaluation of the technology’s rapid expansion. While some leaders previously championed data center development to attract investment, growing opposition has prompted reconsideration. For example, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has acknowledged that constituent feedback altered his perspective, while others, such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, continue to support existing projects despite the shift in rhetoric.
The poll underscores a rare area of consensus in an otherwise polarized political landscape. Concerns about AI infrastructure transcend traditional divides, with Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and those without college degrees all expressing discomfort. When asked which party they trust more to regulate AI, 44% of respondents chose neither party, while 20% favored Democrats and 16% favored Republicans. The survey’s margin of error is plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.
Public sentiment aligns with growing scrutiny of AI’s societal impact. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently warned that the debate over AI has been insufficiently robust, citing his own concerns about its rapid development. His remarks echo broader anxieties about the technology’s implications, which have fueled opposition to data center construction in communities nationwide.
State-level shifts reflect the evolving political calculus. Some officials, like Florida gubernatorial nominee Rep. Byron Donalds, are navigating proposals in states where data center development is still under consideration. Others, such as state officials in Pennsylvania and Virginia, have cited water usage, energy demands, and local infrastructure strain as reasons for reassessing their positions. Meanwhile, advocates for data centers argue that the facilities drive economic growth and technological advancement, though these claims are increasingly met with skepticism.
The poll’s results suggest that the political and public response to AI infrastructure is still in flux. While some leaders remain steadfast in their support, the data indicates a significant portion of the electorate is demanding greater caution—or outright opposition—to the unchecked expansion of data centers in their communities.