Data Centers, AI, and the High Cost of Being Afraid
A recent poll of over 6,500 U.S. voters found that most opposition to data center projects comes from people who do not live near existing facilities, reflecting broader anxiety about artificial intelligence. The survey showed that 38% of respondents would support a data center near their home while 34% would oppose it, and it oversampled states with active data center projects. The article argues that fear of AI and data center expansion carries economic costs that are often overlooked.
- ▪The poll indicated that only 8% of respondents who opposed data centers knew of one or more in their area, suggesting opposition is not strictly location‑based.
- ▪Respondents were split, with 38% saying they would support a data center close to their home and 34% saying they would oppose it.
- ▪The survey oversampled voters in states such as California, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas, which currently host data center projects.
- ▪The article links public anxiety about AI to resistance against data center construction, warning that such fear can impose hidden economic costs.
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Data Centers, AI, and the High Cost of Being Afraid Eric Florack | 12:55 PM on June 24, 2026 AP Photo/Jon Elswick Hello and welcome to Wednesday, June 24, 2026. I’m glad you’re here for our daily visit. Today is St. Jean Baptiste Day, which is a big deal in Quebec. It’s also National Pralines Day. Advertisement googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display("div-gpt-300x250_3"); //googletag.pubads().refresh([gptAdSlot["div-gpt-300x250_3"]]) }); Today in History: 1509: Henry VIII is crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey, London.1795: The U.S. and Great Britain sign the Jay Treaty, the first U.S.
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