On one side, big tech is rushing to build AI infrastructure. On the other, residents are saying: not in my backyard. A new Gallup poll finds 71% of U.S. adults oppose building AI data centers near where they live. That’s a higher rejection rate than for nuclear power plants, where opposition tops out at 53%. Gallup ran the study in two steps: in March, around 1,000 adults were asked whether they support local AI data centers or nuclear plants. In April, through the Gallup Panel, more than 2,000 respondents explained why they supported or opposed AI sites. Why the pushback? Among opponents, about half worry about pressure on resources—especially water and electricity—along with potential environmental impacts. Others fear quality-of-life changes (22%), higher living costs (20%), pollution (16%), and even economic effects like job displacement (14%). A smaller share also cites ethical/privacy/social risks from AI (13%). Supporters argue data centers could boost local economic benefits (66%) or bring tech-driven improvements (17%). Opposition is widespread across demographics—but “strong” opposition is higher among women and Democrats. #AIDataCenters #PublicOpinion #EnvironmentalImpact #EnergyPolicy #CommunityResistance #TechInfrastructure
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