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

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

Public backlash against the construction of data centers—the infrastructure behind artificial intelligence (AI)—is erupting across the United States.

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

Politicians have also turned around quickly. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who once actively championed AI investments, signed an executive order in August 2026 that excluded all AI data center projects from fast-track permitting, requiring developers to cover the costs of new power infrastructure and obtain local approvals.

Facing a serious image crisis, Big Tech companies have begun hosting community meetings, guaranteeing jobs, and investing funds into local communities to maintain political backing and quell the backlash. OpenAI held an open house at the Effingham College & Career Academy in Georgia to provide project briefings and employment consultations. However, protests from residents continued outside the venue, raising concerns over water usage, noise, and a lack of transparency.

2. An Onslaught of Data Center Debates Shakes Battleground States

Anti-data center sentiment is rapidly emerging as a new core issue in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. In Texas, political advertisements blaming data centers and Big Tech for rising electricity rates have surfaced. In Ohio, Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown targeted Republican Senator Jon Husted, calling data center tax breaks "a total scam against Ohioans." Ad wars surrounding the responsibility for data center developments are spreading to other battleground states, 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 convert this backlash into votes or to defend themselves.

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

3. Collapsing Partisan Lines and Political Calculations

Until recently, attacks on data centers were primarily the domain of the Democratic Party, focusing on higher utility bills, water usage, and distrust of Big Tech. Over the past few weeks, however, Republican candidates have also begun voicing skepticism about data centers. Despite President Trump's full support for the AI industry and the party leadership's concerns over technological competition with China, party lines are wavering in the face of local voter sentiment.

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

Polls clearly demonstrate this voter revolt. Following the Gallup poll showing 71% opposition, the University of Pennsylvania survey also showed a 12 percentage point spike in opposition compared to the first half of the year. In the gubernatorial races in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Florida, candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties are pledging regulations on data centers.

Amid such anxiety, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) circulated an urgent memo, warning that Ohio Senator Jon Husted is in danger of losing due to the data center issue. Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown poured millions of dollars into framing Husted as "the face of Ohio data centers." Strategists have described data centers as "an anchor around Husted's neck in this election," appealing to the industry for political contributions.

4. A Rare Political Opportunity with No '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 that is not clouded by progressive or conservative ideological frames."

Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds spent more than $2 million on advertisements promising to "protect Florida from data centers that drive up electricity rates." His Democratic opponent, 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. Donalds stated that he is "well aware of voter anger," while striving to strike a balance between the AI industry's competitiveness and local public sentiment.

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

5. Shifting Attitudes Among Governors and Deja Vu of 2006

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

Local organizer William Lawrence shared the grassroots atmosphere, saying, "Three-time Trump voters, environmentalists, independents, and urban and rural residents alike are gathering under a single banner of distrust toward Big Tech."

Some are drawing comparisons between this election and the 2006 midterm elections, which served as a strong midterm referendum during a president's second year in office. At that time, a prolonged Iraq War, falling approval ratings for President Bush, and Republican scandals combined to allow Democrats to take control of both the Senate and the House. While the current political environment is different, analysts find similarities in how the burden of living costs and grievances against the ruling establishment can align with controversies over special favors for specific industries.


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

A. It is driven by concerns that data centers could directly affect local residents' living environments and household expenses. Massive electricity demand can strain utility bills and grid reliability, while water required for cooling, along with noise, traffic, and land-use issues, are also cited as reasons for opposition. There is also criticism that compared to the massive scale of investment and employment during the construction phase, few permanent jobs are retained once construction is complete. This has fueled growing distrust that "Big Tech reaps the benefits while local communities bear the costs."

Q2. How are Big Tech companies and the government responding to this crisis?

A. Big Tech companies are rolling out town hall meetings, hiring events, community funds, and pledges to cover power infrastructure costs. Politicians are strengthening environmental, power, and water impact assessments, requiring developers to pay for new grid infrastructure, while also pursuing reductions in tax incentives and temporary moratoriums on new projects. However, the level and method of regulation vary by state.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.