Most Americans now oppose data centers in some way as tide continues to turn on AI technology
US citizens are feeling worse about data centers than they were just half a year ago, and it doesn't matter which party they vote for.
New Pew Research Center research reveals Americans' negative attitudes towards data centers have intensified since early 2026, as the nation heads towards mid-term elections. Only 4% of the 10,500 surveyed view data centers positively for the environment, energy costs, and local quality of life. However, 54% believe they are mostly detrimental. This sharp increase in negative perceptions occurred within just half a year.
Americans now largely view data centers as mostly bad for the environment (50%), home energy costs (50%), quality of life (49%), and local tax revenue (21%). Despite US companies promising thousands of jobs, both permanent and temporary, residents are doubting these assurances. The proportion of people perceiving data centers as mostly bad for jobs has risen nine percentage points, from 15% at the start of 2026 to 24%.
The findings show that Americans across all demographics, including age, gender, education, and political affiliation, are increasingly uneasy about data centers. Democrats are more likely to have negative feelings, but supporters of both parties have become unhappier. Notably, this shift in sentiment happened rapidly in just half a year.
The timing of this change is significant politically, as President Trump promotes AI and data center expansion to bolster the US as a global leader. However, some states, including Texas, which hosts OpenAI's Stargate project, are temporarily banning data centers to evaluate the impacts. This growing discontent reflects the complex and diverse opinions about the role of data centers in the US.
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