Americans would rather have a nuclear plant in their backyard than a datacenter

"A Gallup survey found more than 70 percent of respondents indicate they would be against the construction of an AI datacenter in their neighboorhood, with almost half (48 percent) saying they were strongly opposed. Only 27 percent were in favor. The polling shows how quickly AI server farms have become politically toxic in the US, not helped by stories about their effects on energy bills, slurping up water supplies, and creating air and noise pollution in their vicinity."

"Gallup found that more US residents are opposed to massive data halls than to having a nuclear power plant in their backyard: 53 percent of Americans oppose building a nuclear energy site nearby, compared with the 71 percent against datacenter construction. When it comes to the reasons for opposing AI campuses, half of all respondents cite the effect on resources, with excess water usage and potential power grid constraints topping the list."

"Concern about loss of farmland and nature was surprisingly low, with just 7 percent mentioning this, but it is possible the scores are higher in rural areas. Quality-of-life concerns such as increased traffic were put forward by nearly a quarter, while a fifth mentioned higher utility bills. Many were worried about AI specifically: that it would replace human workers, that they don't trust it, that it is moving too fast, and that the industry needs regulating."

"Conversely, those in favor of datacenters cite economic benefits, with 55 percent mentioning increased job opportunities, and 13 percent saying it is because of increased tax revenues. However, these people are perhaps laboring unde"

More than 70% of Americans oppose constructing an AI datacenter in their neighborhood, with 48% strongly opposed and 27% in favor. Opposition is linked to political toxicity for AI server farms, fueled by concerns about energy bills, water use, and local air and noise pollution. Gallup found opposition to datacenters is higher than opposition to nearby nuclear energy sites, with 71% against datacenters versus 53% against nuclear. Half of respondents cite resource impacts, including excess water usage and potential power grid constraints. Quality-of-life concerns include increased traffic and higher utility bills. Some opponents also express worries about AI replacing workers, lack of trust, rapid change, and the need for regulation, while supporters cite jobs and tax revenue benefits.

Read at theregister