Gallup Poll: 70% of Americans Oppose Local AI Data Center Construction

A Gallup poll released on May 15, 2026, reveals that 70% of Americans oppose the construction of artificial intelligence data centers in their local communities. This figure represents a sharp increase from 47% recorded in late 2025, indicating a rapid shift in public sentiment over the past year.

Residents cite health issues and environmental damage as key reasons for rejection.

The survey results show that AI data centers have become less popular than nuclear power plants in the eyes of the American public. Residents cite high electricity and water consumption as primary concerns, alongside fears of rising utility bills and environmental damage. Many individuals also report health issues such as dizziness, nausea, and sleep disruption, which they attribute to the constant hum generated by the facilities.

Local governments are responding to this opposition by introducing moratoriums, restrictions, and delays on proposed data center projects. In response to this regulatory pressure, AI companies are shifting their construction plans to rural or unincorporated areas. This strategic move aims to bypass the intense resistance found in more populated or politically active communities.

The data centers in question fall under the software and industry domain, reflecting the broader societal impact of AI infrastructure expansion. The findings highlight a growing tension between the technological demands of the AI sector and the capacity of local communities to support such large-scale industrial operations.