New York Times/Siena Poll Finds 61% of Voters Oppose AI Data Centers

The New York Times and Siena University released a poll of 1,503 likely voters on Tuesday, finding that 61 percent oppose the construction of data centers dedicated to AI workloads. Only 14 percent said they strongly support the projects, and the split among 2024 Trump voters was roughly even—49 percent in favor and 45 percent against.

Key points

• 61 percent of likely voters oppose AI data center construction.
• Strong support sits at just 14 percent, according to the September survey.
• Environmental and community impact drive 32 percent and 21 percent of opposition, respectively.
• Trump supporters are split 49 percent for, 45 percent against; Harris voters 74 percent oppose.
• AI and data centers rank under 1 percent on issue importance for most demographics.

What happened

The poll, conducted in early September, asked respondents whether they supported or opposed building new data centers to power AI technology. The headline figure—61 percent opposition—mirrored earlier findings from an NBC News poll in March that placed AI lower than ICE on public concern, and a Gallup poll in May that showed seven in ten Americans opposed local AI data center construction.

Among the respondents, 56 percent of those opposed to data centers said they favored limits rather than an outright ban, while 38 percent preferred a total prohibition. When asked which issues mattered most in deciding their midterm vote, AI and data centers fell below one percent for virtually every demographic, except for the 18‑29 age group, where three percent listed the topic.

The backstory

Public skepticism toward AI‑focused infrastructure has risen alongside high‑profile safety debates and a series of high‑energy‑consumption incidents at large‑scale facilities. The March NBC poll and May Gallup survey both captured a growing unease that predates the current September release, suggesting a consistent trend rather than a momentary spike.

The timing of the poll coincided with a broader political conversation about AI safety, prompting lawmakers to reference the findings as evidence of voter fatigue with unchecked AI expansion.

Why the backlash matters

The opposition is anchored in tangible concerns—environmental impact (32 percent) and local community disruption (21 percent). Those numbers indicate that any new AI data center will face scrutiny from regulators and neighborhood groups, potentially delaying permits and increasing compliance costs.

Stakeholders that ignore these sentiment signals risk reputational damage and may encounter stricter zoning rules. Conversely, firms that proactively address water usage and community benefits could differentiate themselves in a market where public trust is scarce.

Political implications

The split among Trump voters—49 percent support versus 45 percent opposition—shows the issue is not strictly partisan, but the overwhelming opposition among Harris voters (74 percent) and non‑voters (67 percent) suggests a left‑leaning base more receptive to regulatory action. As midterms approach, candidates are likely to cite the poll to justify stricter AI oversight, which could translate into tighter licensing standards for data center projects.

What builders and businesses should do

• Conduct local environmental impact assessments before site selection.
• Engage community leaders early to address water‑use and noise concerns.
• Publish transparent sustainability metrics to counter opposition narratives.
• Diversify compute workloads across existing facilities to reduce the need for new construction.
• Monitor upcoming state and federal AI policy proposals for compliance requirements.

The bottom line

Voter resistance to AI data centers is entrenched and crossing the midterm threshold will likely amplify regulatory pressure. Companies should watch legislative agendas through November and adapt their rollout strategies accordingly.