"It's a Scam," "Worse than Nuclear Plants": Why Americans Are Furious Over Data Centers

1. "Worse Than Nuclear Plants"... Big Tech's Image Crisis on the Brink

Across the United States, public backlash surrounding the construction of data centers—the backbone of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure—is erupting.

According to a survey by polling agency Gallup, 71% of respondents said they oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local communities (conducted in March 2026 among 1,000 adults). When asked using the same question format, opposition to building nuclear power plants stood at only 53%, showing that opposition to data center construction is 18 percentage points higher.

The political arena has also shifted rapidly. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who once actively championed AI investments, signed an executive order in August 2026 removing all AI data center projects from fast-track permitting, requiring developers to cover new power infrastructure costs and obtain local approvals.

Facing a severe image crisis, Big Tech companies have begun hosting community meetings, promising jobs, and pouring funds into local communities to maintain political backing and soften the backlash. OpenAI held an open house at the Effingham County College & Career Academy in Georgia to explain its project and offer job consultations. However, outside the venue, local residents staged protests over water usage, noise, and a lack of transparency.

2. An Onslaught of Data Center Issues Shaking Battlegrounds

Opposition to data centers is rapidly emerging as a new key issue in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. In Texas, political ads have appeared blaming data centers and Big Tech for rising electricity bills. In Ohio, the campaign for Democrat Sherrod Brown targeted Republican Senator Jon Husted, calling tax incentives for data centers a "total scam against Ohioans." Ad wars surrounding responsibility for data center developments are also spreading to other battlegrounds, including Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Data centers have now become a central symbol of political and social conflict surrounding the AI revolution. Politicians are moving swiftly to either translate this resentment into votes or defend themselves against it.

Democratic pollster Anna Greenberg described the anti-data center movement as "a very bottom-up, organic movement." Her analysis suggests that data centers, as massive physical structures, are absorbing public distrust toward billionaires and Big Tech.

3. Collapsing Partisan Divides and Political Calculations

Until recently, attacks on data centers were primarily the domain of Democrats, focusing on rising utility bills, water usage, and distrust of Big Tech. Over recent weeks, however, Republican candidates have also begun voicing skepticism about data centers. Even as President Trump fully endorses the AI industry and party leadership expresses concern over technological competition with China, party discipline is wavering in the face of local voter sentiment.

In Michigan, Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers stated that a temporary halt to data center development might be necessary. New York State implemented a statewide one-year moratorium on new large-scale data center developments in July 2026. A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania showed that opposition to building new local data centers surged by 12 percentage points from 49% to 61% in about four months.

Polls clearly reflect this voter rebellion. Following the Gallup survey (71% opposed), the University of Pennsylvania poll also showed a sharp 12-percentage-point increase in opposition compared to the first half of the year. In gubernatorial races across Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Florida, candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties are campaigning on pledges to regulate data centers.

Amid this sense of crisis, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) circulated an urgent memo warning that Ohio Senator Jon Husted was in danger of losing due to the data center issue. Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown has poured millions of dollars into framing Husted as the "face of Ohio data centers." Strategists describe data centers as an "anchor around Husted's neck in this election" and are appealing to the industry for political donations.

4. A Rare Political Opening Without 'Left or Right'

Democratic pollster Zach McCrary noted, "Opposition to data centers is a rare opportunity for Democrats," pointing out that "it is a rare issue not obscured by progressive, conservative, or ideological framing."

In Florida, Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds spent over $2 million on ads promising to "protect Florida from data centers that raise electricity rates." His Democratic rival, David Jolly, also argued that "we don't want crime or data centers in our neighborhoods" and called for a pause on construction until full impact assessments are completed. While Candidate Donalds stated that he is "well aware of voter anger," he is struggling to balance the competitiveness of the AI industry with local sentiment.

Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya criticized the AI industry on X (formerly Twitter), calling the situation a "powder keg" and arguing that the tech sector had failed to persuade the public. Republican strategist Ryan James Girdusky also pointed out that "Big Tech failed to adequately explain anything to local residents."

5. Governors Shift Stances and a Sense of Déjà Vu from 2006

Major state governors are also retreating from their previous pro-Big Tech stances. Texas Governor Greg Abbott once praised Google's $40 billion (approx. 53 trillion won) investment, but recently supported a comprehensive audit of data centers applying for permits with the state utility commission and is pushing to repeal tax breaks. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also touted Amazon's $20 billion (approx. 27 trillion won) investment as an achievement, but recently signed an executive order establishing strict guardrails to deter predatory developers.

Local activist William Lawrence described the grassroots atmosphere, saying, "Three-time Trump voters, environmentalists, independents, and urban and rural residents are all uniting under one banner of distrust toward Big Tech."

Some observers compare this election cycle to the 2006 midterms, which served as a midterm referendum during the second year of a presidential term. At that time, a prolonged Iraq War, falling approval ratings for President Bush, and Republican-related scandals combined to hand Democrats control of both the House and the Senate. While today's political environment differs, analysts draw parallels in how cost-of-living pressures and grievances against the ruling party can merge with controversies surrounding special favors granted to specific industries.


Deep Dive Q&A
Q1. Why are American residents more strongly opposed to data centers than to nuclear power plants?

A. It stems from concerns that data centers directly affect local living environments and household expenses. Massive electricity demands can strain utility rates and grid stability, while water required for cooling, noise, traffic, and land use issues are also cited as key reasons for opposition. There is also criticism that compared to the massive investments and initial construction-phase employment, relatively few permanent jobs remain after completion. Consequently, distrust is growing that "Big Tech reaps the rewards while local communities shoulder the costs."

Q2. How are Big Tech companies driving the AI industry and governments responding to this crisis?

A. Big Tech companies are responding by organizing town hall meetings, hosting hiring events, creating community development funds, and pledging to cover power infrastructure costs. Politicians and governments are strengthening environmental, power, and water impact assessments, requiring developers to pay for new grid infrastructure, reducing tax breaks, and pushing for temporary moratoriums on new projects. However, the level and methods of regulation vary by state.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.