Americans Deeply Skeptical of AI Data Center Boom, Poll Shows Widespread Pushback
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll released June 11 reveals that 64% of Americans disapprove of rapid data center construction, with 77% worried about rising electricity costs. Only 33% approve the pace of buildout, signaling major political headwinds for the AI infrastructure race.
Public Opinion Turns Against AI Infrastructure
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll released on June 11 shows that only 33% of Americans approve of the rapid pace of data center construction while 64% disapprove, with just 14% feeling comfortable with a data center built near their community and 57% opposing one. This represents a seismic shift in how the general public views the AI infrastructure buildout that tech giants tout as essential to America's AI leadership.
Energy and Economic Concerns Drive Opposition
A striking 77% worry that such facilities will drive up electricity costs, with similar concerns across party lines, and the poll found that half fear AI-related job losses. These numbers suggest that public sentiment on AI data centers transcends traditional partisan divides—citizens across the political spectrum worry about energy inflation and employment displacement.
Regulatory Momentum Building
With hundreds of new data centers planned amid surging AI demand, the results highlight growing community resistance over power strain, land use, and limited local benefits, with fourteen states considering moratoriums and local opposition delaying projects nationwide. This grassroots resistance is already translating into concrete policy action. Ohio suspended tax incentives for data centers after costs surged, while multiple states are exploring statewide bans.
Implications for Tech Giants
Widespread public pushback could slow the rollout of AI infrastructure and force Big Tech and policymakers to address energy and community impacts more aggressively. Companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google have announced massive infrastructure ambitions—OpenAI alone wants 10 gigawatts of power for AI. But without community acceptance and political cover, those plans face real delays and costs. The poll data suggests that public trust in Big Tech's stewardship of national resources is eroding.