More Americans oppose data centers than nuclear plants: Gallup

An article in Newsweek highlights the fears and concerns Americans are expressing about data centers, which are proliferating at what some see as an alarming rate in communities across the country.

The article highlights a surprising poll result: "Americans now appear more willing to live near a nuclear plant than an AI data center." According to a Gallup poll, "Seventy-one percent of Americans oppose building AI data centers in their area; 53 percent oppose a local nuclear plant."

According to the article, data centers are replacing nuclear plants as infrastructure to be feared. "Gallup found that opponents most often cite resource use, with 18 percent mentioning water and 18 percent energy, while 16 percent refer to pollution, including of noise, air and water." Opponents of data centers also cite quality of life concerns and potential economic burdens on local residents. 

According to the article, "The way out is political candor. Data-center developers can disclose expected electricity demand, water use, backup-power arrangements, ratepayer exposure, tax incentives and local job estimates before residents learn those facts from opponents."