Americans' views of data centers have turned more negative

What it is

Pew Research Center survey of 10,548 U.S. adults finds growing concern about data centers' environmental impact, home energy costs and quality of life, with majorities now saying they are mostly bad for the environment.

Why I recommend it

Pew Research Center short read published 22 September 2026, survey fielded 20 July–9 August 2026. 54% of Americans say data centers are mostly bad for the environment (up from 39% in January), 50% say mostly bad for home energy costs, 49% say mostly bad for nearby quality of life. Views on local tax revenue and jobs are mixed. 12% had not heard of data centers at all.

Topics

#AI infrastructure #data centers #energy #environment #Pew Research Center #public opinion #research #survey

Added Sep 22, 2026 · 0 opens