Americans’ views on data centers have turned more negative
Pew finds U.S. views of data centers grew sharply more negative during 2026, including on environment and energy costs.
A Pew Research Center survey of 10,548 U.S. adults, conducted July 20 to August 9, 2026, found attitudes toward data centers worsened since January. Fifty-four percent say data centers are mostly bad for the environment, up from 39%; half say they hurt home energy costs, up from 38%; and 49% say they harm nearby quality of life, up from 30%. Six in ten would be uncomfortable with a new data center nearby. The report notes local protests, an August Texas moratorium, and tighter-oversight moves in Pennsylvania and Illinois.
- 54% call data centers mostly bad for the environment, up from 39%.
- Half say they hurt home energy costs, up from 38%.
- Six in ten would be uncomfortable with a nearby data center.
- Half of rural residents now cite environmental harm, up from 32%.
- Texas issued an August moratorium; Pennsylvania and Illinois eye oversight.
- Organizations
- Pew Research Center
- Countries
- United States
From the original article
1 min read at helpnetsecurity.com
American attitudes toward data centers have turned noticeably more negative over the course of 2026, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. 54% of U. S.
By Anamarija Pogorelec · helpnetsecurity.com
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