ギャラップ社の最新の世論調査によると、71％の米国人が自身の居住地域におけるAIデータセンターの建設に反対していることが明らかになった。この調査は、同施設が消費する膨大な電力や水に対する広範な懸念を浮き彫りにしている。
この調査はギャラップ社がこのテーマについて初めて実施したもので、回答者の半数近くがこうしたプロジェクトに対して強い反対姿勢を示している。反対理由の筆頭には環境への影響が挙げられ、騒音、汚染、地域インフラへの影響に対する懸念がそれに続いている。対照的に、原子力発電所に対する反対意見はそれよりも少なく、同調査によれば53％にとどまっている。
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Communities across the United States blocked or delayed at least 75 data center projects worth about 130 billion dollars from January through March 2026. Researchers described the period as the most blocked and delayed on record since tracking began in 2023. The opposition reflects a structural shift in local resistance to such developments.
Opposition to large data centers is emerging across party lines in several states. Recent moves by governors in Texas and New York highlight the trend. Local votes and polling show broad public resistance.
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Nearly half of planned US data centers for this year risk delays or cancellation due to import issues from China, exacerbated by tariffs. Community opposition is fueling moratoriums, with Maine poised to halt new construction until 2027. These hurdles challenge President Trump's push for rapid AI infrastructure buildout.
Major technology firms are addressing growing public opposition to data center water consumption. SpaceX recently highlighted water scarcity risks in its amended IPO filing. Google announced new commitments to manage water use at its facilities.
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Plans for a large data center complex in rural Utah have sparked public opposition due to concerns about energy use, water consumption and impacts on the Great Salt Lake.
A massive data center proposed for Imperial Valley, California, would require 750,000 gallons of water daily, raising fears among local residents about rising costs and shortages. Developer Sebastian Rucci plans to complete the 330-megawatt facility by 2028, but it faces lawsuits and regulatory hurdles. The project is one of 24 data centers set to open in the state by 2030.