Support for Data Centers in Shor Supply

Published: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 8:02 pm

Data Center Construction Faces Public Skepticism, Poll Suggests

A new poll released by prominent Democratic pollster David Shor reveals a significant level of public skepticism towards the construction of new AI data centers. The poll, shared on X (formerly Twitter), gauged voter sentiment regarding the potential development of these facilities within their local communities.

The findings indicate a clear divide in public opinion. When directly asked about their stance on the matter, only 31 percent of respondents expressed support for the construction of new AI data centers. A considerably larger proportion, 44 percent, voiced their opposition. This disparity translates to a 13-point gap between those in favor and those against the projects.

The poll's results highlight a potential challenge for proponents of data center expansion. The data suggests that a substantial segment of the population harbors reservations about these developments. The specific reasons behind this opposition were not detailed in the released information. However, the data clearly indicates that data center construction faces a headwind of public skepticism. This could potentially impact future development plans and necessitate a more nuanced approach to public engagement and communication from developers and policymakers. The poll's findings underscore the importance of understanding and addressing public concerns as the industry continues to grow.

BNN's Perspective: The poll results are a clear indication that data center development is not a universally popular concept. While these facilities are crucial for the advancement of AI and the digital economy, the public's concerns must be taken seriously. Developers and policymakers need to proactively address these concerns through transparent communication, community engagement, and a focus on mitigating potential negative impacts. Finding a balance between technological progress and community well-being will be key to ensuring sustainable growth in this sector.

Keywords: data centers, AI, public opinion, poll, David Shor, construction, voter support, voter opposition, community, development

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