Americans don’t want AI data centers in their backyards

More than 70% of Americans oppose building an artificial intelligence data center in their area, according to a new poll Gallup poll. Only 7% said they “strongly” support new data centers. According to Gallup, data centers are so disliked that Americans would rather live near a nuclear power plant than a data center — even at its peak, opposition to building nuclear power plants reached 63 percent.

Gallup data is based on a March 2026 survey of 1,000 randomly selected U.S. adults in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, as well as an April 2026 survey of 2,054 adults who are “Gallup Panelists.” Among opponents, 50 percent said the impact of data centers on resources such as water and electricity was their biggest concern. A Pew Research Survey Likewise, it was published earlier this month that 43 percent of Americans view data centers as a “major reason” for skyrocketing energy bills.

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

Quality of life concernsEffects on the cost of living, pollutionand Negative views of AI It was another top reason why survey respondents did not favor building a data center in their area. For those who support new data centers, 55% said job opportunities were the main reason behind it. Maine Governor Janet Mills Jobs are also cited As her reason for vetoing an 18-month moratorium on building a new data center in her state earlier this year.