Recent poll shows that 70% of Americans don't want AI data centers being built in their local area

# Recent poll shows that 70% of Americans don’t want AI data centers being built in their local area Source: [https://www.pcguide.com/pro/news-pro/recent-poll-shows-that-70-of-americans-dont-want-ai-data-centers-being-built-near-their-homes/](https://www.pcguide.com/pro/news-pro/recent-poll-shows-that-70-of-americans-dont-want-ai-data-centers-being-built-near-their-homes/) Americans are fighting back against AI firms who want to build data centers in their local area  PC Guide is reader\-supported\. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission\.[Read More](https://www.pcguide.com/earnings-disclaimer/) Artificial intelligence is growing fast, and companies are racing to build more data centers to support it\. These giant facilities power AI tools, cloud services, and online platforms\. However, while tech companies see them as the future, many Americans are becoming increasingly unhappy about construction happening too close to home\. A[new survey from Gallup](https://news.gallup.com/poll/709772/americans-oppose-data-centers-area.aspx)revealed that around 70% of Americans oppose AI data centers being constructed in their local communities\. These facilities are now even less popular than nuclear power plants when it comes to public opinion\. ## The majority ‘strongly oppose’ local AI data center construction Back in late 2025, around 47% of Americans opposed nearby data centers\. That number has now jumped significantly, showing how quickly public frustration has grown\. Image Source: GallupOne of the biggest concerns is resource usage\. Modern AI data centers consume massive amounts of electricity and water every single day\. Many people worry that local communities will end up paying the price through higher utility bills, water shortages, and environmental damage\. Reports from different parts of the United States have already added fuel to these concerns\. Some residents have complained about low water pressure near construction sites, while others worry that constant expansion could put pressure on local infrastructure\. Pollution is another issue –[disrupting locals’ health](https://www.techradar.com/pro/dizziness-nausea-vertigo-and-sleep-disruption-the-undetectable-hum-of-ai-data-centers-is-making-local-residents-sick)with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and sleep disruption\. Electricity costs are another major issue, as the growing demand from AI facilities has pushed wholesale electricity prices much higher in some regions\. Families and small businesses are already struggling with rising living costs, so many residents do not want additional pressure on their monthly bills\. ## What is the backlash achieving so far? Some communities have already started fighting back\. Across the country, local governments and officials have introduced moratoriums, restrictions, and delays on proposed projects\. Public hearings related to data centers are reportedly becoming heated debates between developers and residents\. Many companies still argue that these projects bring jobs, tax revenue, and economic growth\. For supporters, the construction work and long\-term investment can help smaller communities\. However, critics believe the benefits often do not outweigh the downsides once the facilities are operational\. Some AI companies are now trying to avoid resistance by building data centers in rural or unincorporated areas instead of major towns and cities\. This can help them avoid certain local approval processes and reduce delays\. That said, as AI continues growing, demand for new data centers will only increase\. But with public opposition rising rapidly, companies may face a much harder time expanding their infrastructure plans across the United States\. ---