Americans Across the Political Spectrum Oppose Local Data Centers

A Spring 2026 survey of 1,068 U. S. adults found that 56 % would oppose building a data center in their community, while only 15 % would support it. Opposition is widespread, with about three‑quarters of liberal Democrats and half of conservative Republicans saying no, and similar sentiment among the six climate‑change opinion groups. 59 % of respondents expect local electricity bills to rise if a data center opens, a concern shared by all political groups. The public strongly backs a proposal that developers install rooftop solar and weatherize nearby homes to offset power use, a measure supported across most groups except the Dismissive. State actions are already shaping the debate, such as Massachusetts’ executive order requiring local approval before state permits are issued.