Americans broadly oppose new data centers as environmental concerns grow

Data centers are deeply unpopular in the United States, with seven in 10 Americans saying they oppose having such facilities built in their communities.

The findings, from a Gallup poll, underscore how politically contentious these projects have become.

Data centers face resistance across the ideological spectrum and are particularly unpopular among Democrats, 56% of whom say they strongly oppose such developments.

Among opponents, roughly half cite concerns over resource consumption, including water and energy use as well as environmental impacts. Another 22% point to quality-of-life concerns, while one-fifth say rising costs are a key issue.

Most supporters of data center construction cite economic benefits such as job creation.

The figures help explain why such projects have become political scapegoats for members of both parties as energy prices continue to rise, and why technology companies are seeking ways to make the developments more appealing.

In response to growing community backlash against construction projects, technology companies are increasingly turning to architects to redesign the facilities that power the artificial intelligence boom.

Gensler, the architecture firm behind JPMorgan’s striking new headquarters in Manhattan, said the number of employees working on data center projects rose 40% over the past year.

The firm is designing a data center in the Netherlands featuring vertical gardens. Another facility in Phoenix, Arizona, has a rust-colored facade that resembles a modern art museum more than a metal warehouse, and includes a two-acre community park.

Planned facilities in Alberta, Canada, will use wood-toned exteriors intended to blend more naturally into densely forested surroundings.

Traditionally, data centers have been large, rectangular buildings with little architectural distinction. While opposition to the facilities has largely focused on their energy and water consumption, local protests have also been fueled by residents who do not want what some neighbors describe as “ugly” eyesores in their communities.