Inside the fight over America’s data centers
Americans are increasingly opposed to data centers, with a recent Gallup poll showing 70 percent against them in their local areas. Concerns primarily revolve around environmental impacts and quality of life, leading to calls for more regulation and transparency from politicians. Despite this opposition, the construction of data centers continues at a rapid pace across the country.
- ▪A Gallup poll indicates that 70 percent of Americans oppose data centers in their local areas, with 48 percent strongly opposed.
- ▪More than 4,000 data centers have been built in the U.S., with over 2,000 currently under construction.
- ▪Residents express concerns about rising electricity bills and the impact on property values due to nearby data centers.
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America, ActuallyInside the fight over America’s data centers“The ugliest thing I’ve ever seen”: How New Jersey residents feel about a data center in their backyard.by Astead HerndonMay 16, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCShareGiftA data center under construction in Vineland, New Jersey. Kevin HuangAstead Herndon is a host and editorial director at Vox, helping lead politics coverage across text, video, audio, and social media platforms.Make no mistake: Americans hate data centers.A recent poll from Gallup shows 70 percent of Americans oppose a data center in their local area, including 48 percent who are strongly opposed.
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