Poll: most voters oppose new AI data centers

A New York Times/Siena University poll of 1,503 likely voters in early September found 61% oppose building new AI data centers, with only 14% strongly supporting them. Opposition was roughly even among 2024 Trump voters (49% support to 45% oppose), while Harris voters and nonvoters leaned more opposed.

Why it matters: Bipartisan opposition gives local and state officials political cover to block or slow data center projects regardless of federal AI policy. It signals the AI infrastructure boom may collide with community backlash as fast as it collides with power-grid limits.