American anxiety regarding the ecological footprint of artificial intelligence is intensifying, driven by a rapid proliferation of data centers across the country. According to a recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, 53% of respondents reported being “extremely” or “very” concerned about AI’s environmental consequences. This figure represents a significant rise from 41% just one year ago.
The apprehension transcends political divides. While Democrats expressed the highest levels of worry at 65%, substantial percentages of Republicans (42%) and Independents (49%) also voiced strong concern. This shift indicates that the tension between technological progress and environmental sustainability is resonating with voters regardless of party affiliation.
The scale of infrastructure development is staggering. Market intelligence firm Clearview reports that there are currently 1,287 operational data centers in the United States, with over 2,000 additional projects in the pipeline. While Virginia and Texas currently lead in existing facilities, the expansion is largely fueled by hyperscale centers designed for training large-scale AI models, with many new developments slated for rural regions in the South and Midwest.
Public policy preferences appear to favor restraint. Approximately 60% of Americans indicated they would support limits on the construction of new data centers. A majority of the population is also concerned about the strain these facilities place on local electricity prices and water supplies. Specifically, 60% expressed high concern regarding impacts on utility costs and water resources in host communities.
Scientific projections underscore these fears. A June United Nations report estimated that global water consumption for AI could reach levels equivalent to the needs of 1.3 billion people by 2030. Domestically, a 2024 report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory projected that U.S. data centers could consume 11.8% of the nation’s electricity by the end of the decade. Consequently, about two-thirds of adults support mandates for data centers to utilize renewable energy sources such as wind or solar.
However, energy supply challenges remain. In the absence of sufficient clean energy alternatives, BloombergNEF projects that U.S. data centers will consume more natural gas than most countries by 2035. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has aggressively championed the industry, urging communities to embrace expansion in the name of economic growth and lower taxes, warning against policies that might hinder development.
Despite political advocacy, public sentiment on the benefits of data centers remains mixed. Only about a quarter of adults view these facilities as extremely or very beneficial for technological advancement, while roughly 20% see similar benefits for job creation. Research suggests that while construction creates temporary employment, the permanent workforce required to operate these facilities is relatively small.
In response to community backlash and uncertainty, local governments are acting unilaterally. As of September 2026, the Urban Institute recorded 313 moratoriums on data center growth enacted across 44 states and more than 200 local jurisdictions. Michael Greenstone, director of the University of Chicago institute involved in the survey, noted that the public is witnessing a “massive experiment in real time,” reflecting a broader societal unease with the pace of change.
Thirty-one3 moratoriums? That is a huge number. Locals clearly know best about the strain on their own utilities.
How can the government promote this expansion while the public demands stricter regulations? The disconnect is frustrating.
Are we really okay with burning more natural gas just to power chatbots? The environmental cost seems too high.
It is shocking that 53 percent of people are worried. I never considered how much water AI actually uses.