"Over 70 percent of Americans oppose AI data center construction in their area, according to a new Gallup survey. Just seven percent said they were "strongly" in favor of new data centers. According to Gallup, data centers are so strongly disliked that Americans would prefer to live near a nuclear power plant than a data center - even at its peak, opposition to nuclear power plant construction topped out at 63 percent."
"Among those in opposition, 50 percent said data centers' impact on resources like water and electricity was their top concern. A Pew Research survey published earlier this month similarly reported that 43 percent of Americans view data centers as a "major reason" for skyrocketing power bills."
"Opposition to new data center construction was strongest among Democrats at 75 percent, followed by 74 percent of independent voters and 63 percent of Republicans. Quality-of-life concerns, effects on cost-of-living, pollution, and negative views of AI were among other top reasons survey respondents weren't in favor of data center construction in their area."
"For those who support new data centers, 55 percent said job opportunities were their main reason. Maine governor Janet Mills also cited jobs as her reason for vetoing an 18-month moratorium on new data center construction in her state earlier this year."
Over 70% of Americans oppose AI data center construction in their area, while 7% strongly support it. Opposition is linked to concerns about impacts on water and electricity resources, quality of life, cost of living, pollution, and negative views of AI. A majority of opponents cite resource effects as the top concern. Americans also report that data centers contribute to rising power bills. Opposition is strongest among Democrats and independents, with lower levels among Republicans. Supporters most often point to job opportunities as the main reason. A state moratorium was vetoed based on job-related considerations.
Read at The Verge
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