Gallup survey shows nuclear facilities are preferred to AI data centers in local communities

A new Gallup poll shows that 71 percent of Americans oppose having an AI data center built in their local area, with nearly half strongly opposed, making data centers even less welcome than nuclear power plants. Environmental concerns, heavy water and energy usage, noise pollution and fears of rising utility costs were the most common objections. Supporters cited job creation and increased tax revenue, but they were a small minority at just 20 percent. Gallup warns that this growing “not in my backyard” sentiment could slow AI expansion, trigger local activism and become a politically risky issue for state and local leaders.

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