A poll released Tuesday by the New York Times and Siena University shows that 61 percent of likely voters oppose building data centres to power artificial intelligence. The survey asked participants whether they supported or opposed such construction in early September, finding only 14 percent in strong agreement with the projects. This opposition holds across political lines, with support among Donald Trump voters split nearly evenly at 49 percent against 45 percent. Voters who backed Kamala Harris or did not vote in 2024 lean more heavily toward opposition. The results indicate a clear disconnect between the industry’s expansion plans and public sentiment regarding the physical infrastructure required for the technology.
The findings matter because they highlight a growing political risk for technology companies and policymakers pushing for rapid deployment. Local communities and state governments may face increased resistance to new facilities, potentially delaying projects or leading to stricter regulations. The data suggests that simply citing economic benefits or technological necessity will not easily overcome public concerns about environmental impact and resource use.
* 61 percent of surveyed voters oppose data centre construction.
* Support among Donald Trump voters is split nearly evenly.
* Non-Trump voters lean more heavily toward opposition.
