71% of Americans Oppose Building AI Data Centers, 18 Percentage Points Higher than Nuclear Power Plants

The American community shows significant resistance to the construction of AI data centers, with 71% of respondents opposing the establishment of AI data centers in their localities, exceeding the 53% opposition to nuclear power plants. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers in the U.S. consumed approximately 176 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2023, accounting for 4.4% of the nation's total electricity consumption. In contrast, the National Energy Administration estimates that China's computing power centers will consume about 170 terawatt-hours of electricity by 2025, representing 1.6% of the national electricity consumption. Respondents primarily express concerns about resource consumption, environmental impact, quality of life, and public utility bills. The mayor of Newton County, Georgia, anticipates a 33% increase in water bills over the next two years, sparking controversy over water supply pressures. Analysts believe that as AI infrastructure expands, community opposition and the costs of utilities such as water and electricity may become significant constraints on project construction.

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