Heatmap Pro and Embold Research surveyed 2,045 U.S. registered voters Aug. 8–13
and found 75% opposed new data centers near their homes, with over 60% strongly
opposed, up from 42% a year earlier. The survey gauges local project acceptance
and is not a measure of national sentiment on AI or overall data center
buildout. A Pew poll shows top public concerns are electricity costs,
environmental impact and quality of life, though many still cite job and tax
benefits. Opposition is already affecting approvals: New York has paused new
ultra‑large projects above 50 MW; Texas requires all data centers awaiting grid
interconnection to complete authenticity/verification audits, not a blanket
shutdown of existing facilities. Heatmap counts more than 530 local governments
that have imposed strict limits; Data Center Watch says at least 75 projects
worth roughly $130 billion were delayed in Q1.
