Survey: US public perception of data centers has sharply deteriorated since January, with 54% viewing them as bad for the environment, as local opposition rises

Local opposition to data centers is becoming a significant hurdle for development, complicating expansion plans.

A July-August 2026 Pew Research Center survey of 10,548 U.S. adults reveals a significant shift in public perception regarding data centers. Since January 2026, negative views have sharply increased, with 54% now viewing data centers as bad for the environment, up from 39%. Similarly, 50% see them as detrimental to home energy costs, a rise from 38%, and 49% believe they negatively impact local quality of life, up from 30%. Opposition is also growing concerning local jobs and tax revenue, with negative perceptions rising to 24% and 21% respectively. A majority of Americans (60%) express discomfort with a new data center operating in their area. These shifts coincide with increased local protests and some politicians speaking out against data center construction, despite support from figures like former President Donald Trump.

The survey indicates a broad and intensifying public backlash against data centers, extending beyond environmental concerns to economic and quality-of-life impacts. This widespread negative sentiment, particularly the 60% discomfort with new local facilities, signals a challenging landscape for data center developers seeking permits and community acceptance. Policymakers at state and local levels are likely to face increasing pressure to implement stricter regulations or even moratoriums, mirroring recent shifts by governors.

This growing public distrust suggests that data center companies will need to invest more in community outreach, environmental mitigation, and transparent communication to address local concerns effectively. The increase in negative perception across all demographics, including rural communities where many new data centers are planned, indicates that the industry's growth trajectory could be impacted by regulatory hurdles and heightened public scrutiny.