Heatmap Pro and Embold Research surveyed 2,045 U.S. registered voters Aug. 8–13 and found 75% oppose 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

Heatmap Pro and Embold Research surveyed 2,045 U.S. registered voters Aug. 8–13 and found 75% oppose 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.