Blab Tech
US Public Opposes Local Data Centers: CBS/YouGov Survey Reveals Environmental Concerns and Knowledge Gap
A recent CBS News/YouGov survey conducted between June 2 and 4, 2026, found that more than twice as many Americans oppose building a new data center in their local area as support it. The nationally representative sample of 2,023 adults, weighted to match U.S. Census demographics, shows that the majority of respondents feel uncertain or negative about the presence of data centers in their communities. The survey highlights environmental concerns—particularly water and electricity use—as the primary reasons for opposition. The findings suggest that local opposition remains strong even as the data‑center industry expands across the country.
The survey also examined respondents’ knowledge of data centers. Only 16 percent reported knowing a lot about the facilities, and even among that group, the proportion that opposed a local data center exceeded those who favored it. Those who said they knew nothing about data centers were largely unsure about whether a new facility should be built in their area. The data indicate a clear correlation between lack of familiarity and opposition, suggesting that public education may influence attitudes.
When asked whether the United States needs more data centers to stay competitive in technology and artificial intelligence, respondents were split. A majority of Republicans believed that additional facilities were necessary for national competitiveness, whereas Democrats were less certain. However, most respondents across party lines remained unconvinced that a new data center should be constructed in their own communities. The survey found that the majority of Americans view data centers as detrimental to local environmental resources, citing water consumption, electricity demand, and higher utility costs as key concerns.
Economic arguments for data centers were less persuasive. Slightly more respondents than those who opposed a local facility believed that a new data center would benefit the local economy and increase tax revenue. Those who anticipated such benefits were more likely to favor a new facility. Regarding employment, half of respondents said a data center would create jobs in the short term, but only a minority expected a long‑term job boost. A sizable portion of the sample remained uncertain about the economic impact, underscoring the complexity of the issue.
The survey’s findings come at a time when data‑center construction has accelerated across the United States. Industry reports indicate that U.S. data centers consumed about 176 terawatt‑hours of electricity in 2023, roughly 4.4 percent of national consumption, and that water use can reach up to 5 million gallons per day for large facilities. The rapid expansion of AI‑focused data centers has intensified concerns about strain on local grids and water supplies. Despite the growing demand for cloud and AI services, the public’s apprehension about environmental and utility impacts remains a significant hurdle for new projects.
In summary, the CBS News/YouGov survey shows that a majority of Americans oppose building a data center in their local area, largely due to environmental concerns and a lack of knowledge about the facilities. While many recognize the national competitiveness benefits of additional data centers, most remain unconvinced about local construction. The industry faces an ongoing challenge to address community concerns, improve transparency about environmental and economic impacts, and engage in public outreach. Future surveys and regulatory actions will determine whether public opinion shifts as the data‑center sector continues to grow.
The survey also examined respondents’ knowledge of data centers. Only 16 percent reported knowing a lot about the facilities, and even among that group, the proportion that opposed a local data center exceeded those who favored it. Those who said they knew nothing about data centers were largely unsure about whether a new facility should be built in their area. The data indicate a clear correlation between lack of familiarity and opposition, suggesting that public education may influence attitudes.
When asked whether the United States needs more data centers to stay competitive in technology and artificial intelligence, respondents were split. A majority of Republicans believed that additional facilities were necessary for national competitiveness, whereas Democrats were less certain. However, most respondents across party lines remained unconvinced that a new data center should be constructed in their own communities. The survey found that the majority of Americans view data centers as detrimental to local environmental resources, citing water consumption, electricity demand, and higher utility costs as key concerns.
Economic arguments for data centers were less persuasive. Slightly more respondents than those who opposed a local facility believed that a new data center would benefit the local economy and increase tax revenue. Those who anticipated such benefits were more likely to favor a new facility. Regarding employment, half of respondents said a data center would create jobs in the short term, but only a minority expected a long‑term job boost. A sizable portion of the sample remained uncertain about the economic impact, underscoring the complexity of the issue.
The survey’s findings come at a time when data‑center construction has accelerated across the United States. Industry reports indicate that U.S. data centers consumed about 176 terawatt‑hours of electricity in 2023, roughly 4.4 percent of national consumption, and that water use can reach up to 5 million gallons per day for large facilities. The rapid expansion of AI‑focused data centers has intensified concerns about strain on local grids and water supplies. Despite the growing demand for cloud and AI services, the public’s apprehension about environmental and utility impacts remains a significant hurdle for new projects.
In summary, the CBS News/YouGov survey shows that a majority of Americans oppose building a data center in their local area, largely due to environmental concerns and a lack of knowledge about the facilities. While many recognize the national competitiveness benefits of additional data centers, most remain unconvinced about local construction. The industry faces an ongoing challenge to address community concerns, improve transparency about environmental and economic impacts, and engage in public outreach. Future surveys and regulatory actions will determine whether public opinion shifts as the data‑center sector continues to grow.
