A new survey reveals differences between how Americans at various income levels perceive data centers.
A survey of over 4,000 Americans on their attitudes toward data centers reveals stark differences between the highest-earning and lowest-earning households, reports Brian Merchant for Blood in the Machine.
"According to the poll, 55% of Americans 'strongly' oppose data centers being built in their areas. This is 'a record low that reveals a staggering shift in public opinion against the facilities powering the artificial intelligence boom.'" The survey found that "Democrats, people living in rural areas, and young people are especially opposed: 80% of poll respondents aged 18-35 were against data centers."
The analysis found that "The highest rate of resistance comes from neighborhoods with a median income of between $8,000 and $72,000," with the lowest rate of resistance found in households making over $133,000 a year. "This flies directly in the face of the notion that data center opposition is led by well-off Patagonia-clad NIMBYs; neighborhoods that are poor or working class are pushing back far more frequently than the affluent."
Read the full story: Working class neighborhoods are resisting data centers at 5 times the rate of wealthy ones
Poll: 75% of Americans oppose data centers near their homes
As they proliferate across the country, data centers face growing backlash from communities concerned about their rapid growth and unknown impacts.
Texas bars data centers from raising utility costs for residents
Gov. Abbott is calling on the state's utility regulator to take steps to reduce energy costs for consumers and ensure data center operators pay for any added costs.
California city permanently bans data centers
A ballot measure to indefinitely ban data centers from Monterey Park was approved by roughly 86% of voters in a special election in June.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority