71% Oppose AI Data Centers Near Homes, More Than Nuclear Plants: Gallup 2026

Gallup Poll Reveals Surprising NIMBY Rankings: AI Data Centers Top Nuclear Plants

According to a new Gallup poll, 71 percent of Americans oppose building AI data centers near their homes, far more than the 53 percent who object to a nearby nuclear power plant. The top concerns are high water and energy use, pollution, and rising utility costs. This finding emerges as Gallup reports that just 35% of U.S. adults rate environmental quality as excellent or good — the lowest figure since tracking began in 2001.

The survey, conducted in March, shows that public anxiety over the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure now rivals deep-seated fears about radioactive waste and reactor safety. The poll asked respondents whether they would support or oppose a new facility in their neighborhood, with AI data centers drawing stronger rejection than any other type of industrial development tested.

Why AI Data Centers Face More Opposition Than Nuclear Plants

Environmental concerns are a primary driver. Gallup’s annual environment poll, released ahead of Earth Day, found that 61% of Americans believe the government is doing too little to protect the environment — the highest level since 2020. The same survey shows that 66% think the environment’s quality is worsening, and 63% say the government is not doing enough. Water pollution and safe drinking water remain the most worrisome specific environmental problems.

These attitudes provide context for the intense local opposition to AI data centers. Critics point to the enormous water consumption required for cooling server farms and the strain on local power grids as utilities struggle to meet demand. The poll indicates that Americans are increasingly sensitive to the trade-offs between technological progress and environmental preservation.

Environmental and Economic Concerns Drive NIMBY Sentiment

In a separate Gallup survey on what Americans value for a good life, 92% ranked adequate housing as “very important.” The proximity of massive data centers to residential areas raises concerns about property values, noise, and visual blight. The combination of environmental anxiety and quality-of-life priorities creates a powerful political obstacle for tech companies.

The NAACP recently filed a Clean Air Act lawsuit against Elon Musk’s xAI over a Memphis data center, accusing the company of operating without proper permits and emitting pollution linked to health risks in a predominantly Black community. This legal action underscores the environmental justice dimensions of the data center boom.

Public Opinion on AI Data Centers Crosses Party Lines

Partisan divides persist in environmental views, but opposition to AI data centers appears to cross party lines. The Gallup poll found that majorities of both Democrats and Republicans prioritize environmental protection over economic growth — 58% nationally — and over energy development — 57%.

The findings signal a challenging landscape for the tech industry’s multibillion-dollar expansion of AI computing capacity. As companies race to build the infrastructure needed for generative AI, they face a public that is more skeptical of these facilities than of nuclear power plants, long considered the pariah of energy infrastructure. The poll suggests that without addressing concrete local impacts — water use, energy demand, and pollution — the AI boom may hit a wall of community resistance.

AI Data Centers and the Future of Tech Expansion

With 71% opposition, AI data centers now face a higher level of NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) sentiment than nuclear plants. This trend is reshaping how tech companies approach site selection and community engagement. As public awareness of water usage and environmental quality grows, the industry must adapt to maintain public trust and support.