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Vast Majority of Americans Oppose AI Data Centers, Poll Shows

August 10, 2026

Americans are increasingly skeptical of the massive data centers being built to fuel the artificial intelligence boom, with a new nationwide poll finding that 70% of voters oppose constructing the facilities in their own communities.

Just 30% support local AI data center development, according to the latest Fox News survey.

The opposition comes as American technology companies race to expand computing capacity and compete with China for dominance in artificial intelligence.

But voters overwhelmingly prefer slowing construction to address concerns about electricity, water consumption, pollution, and the effect on surrounding communities.

Voters Reject AI Data Centers by 40-Point Margin

The poll found a 40-point gap between opponents and supporters of local data center projects.

MAGA supporters were the most receptive political group, with 46% favoring construction, followed by Republican men at 45%.

Opposition was highest among white college-educated women, 84% of whom rejected local data centers.

Liberal voters followed at 80% opposition.

Among those supporting the projects, 60% cited economic benefits such as jobs, tax revenue, investment, and regional growth.

Another 21% pointed to technological progress, describing data centers as necessary for the future.

Only 2% said staying ahead of foreign competitors was their primary reason for supporting rapid expansion.

Energy and Water Consumption Drive Opposition

Half of those opposing data centers cited environmental concerns as their main objection.

Those worries included the enormous amounts of electricity and water consumed by the facilities, as well as pollution, noise, and broader damage to the surrounding environment.

Another 14% cited quality-of-life concerns, 11% pointed to negative economic consequences, and 11% expressed broader hostility toward artificial intelligence.

The findings suggest Americans are not merely rejecting AI technology itself.

Many are objecting to being forced to absorb the local costs of the infrastructure needed to power it.

Nearly 80% Want Construction Slowed

Nearly eight in ten voters said data center development should proceed more slowly so that environmental and community concerns can be addressed.

Only two in ten supported building the facilities as quickly as possible to preserve America’s competitive advantage over China and other countries.

Majorities across every major political and demographic group supported slowing construction.

MAGA Republicans were among the most likely to favor rapid expansion, but even within that group, only 36% prioritized speed over local concerns

Among voters identifying as very conservative, 35% supported faster construction.

Americans Remain Wary of AI

Artificial intelligence itself remains unpopular, though voters view the technology somewhat more favorably than the data centers powering it.

Overall, 45% of voters held a favorable opinion of AI, compared with 54% who viewed it unfavorably

That represents a net rating of negative nine points, a slight improvement from negative 11 points in April.

MAGA Republicans were the most favorable toward AI, with 55% expressing a positive view.

Support was also higher among voters with graduate degrees, at 52%, conservatives at 50%, and men at 49%.

Just 41% of Democrats, 43% of voters without college degrees, 37% of liberals, and 40% of women viewed the technology favorably.

Younger Voters Are Most Hostile to AI

Despite their reputation for embracing new technology, voters under 30 were the least likely age group to view AI positively.

Only 38% of younger voters expressed a favorable opinion, compared with 48% of those between 30 and 44 and 44% of voters aged 45 and older.

Opposition to data centers, however, remained remarkably consistent across generations.

Roughly seven in ten voters in every age group opposed building one nearby, while approximately eight in ten favored slowing construction.

The results present a growing political problem for the AI industry.

Technology companies may view enormous data centers as essential to America’s economic and national security future.

Most voters view them as unwanted industrial projects that consume local resources, strain the power grid, and transform communities without their consent.