Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming encyclical on artificial intelligence (AI), new data from Gallup shows that seven in 10 Americans do not approve of building AI data centers in their local area, though opposition appears to stem from environmental and quality of life concerns rather than objections to AI itself.
Based on data gathered in March, nearly half of Americans are strongly opposed to building local AI data centers, while about two in 10 are somewhat opposed. In response to an open-ended question about the reason for their objections, survey participants were most concerned about the centers’ effects on resources. A combined total of 50% said they worry the centers would raise water usage and energy consumption while impacting the environment, wasting resources, and leading to loss of farmland or wildlife.
A combined 22% said they object to the centers due to quality of life concerns, citing impacts on local communities, housing or property values, population, traffic, and health. Only 12% worried about jobs or AI replacing human employees, and just 14% had negative views of AI. Thirteen percent had specific concerns about AI, such as misuse, ethics and privacy, and the potential to overrely on it.
Two in 10 Americans somewhat favored constructing AI data centers in their areas, while 7% strongly favored the idea. Those who supported the centers generally cited potential economic benefits, with 55% saying the centers would create job opportunities. Thirteen percent said the centers would generate tax revenue and financial benefits, while a combined 17% cited potential technological advantages that the centers could bring to the area.
Gallup found that opposition to building the centers is strong across every major demographic, but Democrats and women are more likely to hold strong objections to constructing them than Republicans and men. Fifty-six percent of Democrats strongly opposed the centers, compared with 39% of Republicans; meanwhile, 55% of women expressed strong opposition, compared with 43% of men.
Gallup noted that while data centers will need to be constructed in order to advance AI use in America, most Americans seem to take a “‘not in my backyard’ attitude.”
“Overcoming this opposition stands as a major hurdle in the expansion of AI computing,” Gallup reported, adding that initial objections will likely take the form of grassroots activism and legal challenges in the future if data centers are pushed.