A growing backlash against artificial intelligence (AI) data centres in the United States is becoming a significant factor in the upcoming mid-term elections. This opposition, driven by concerns over electricity rates, water usage, and local impact, is particularly pronounced among Democrats but also evident among Republicans.
Polling by Gallup in May indicated that 71% of Americans opposed having a data centre in their area, with 48% strongly opposed. This level of opposition was higher than that for nuclear power stations. Last year, Democratic Governors in New Jersey and Virginia were elected partly due to public reaction against rising electricity prices attributed to data centre construction and operation.
The debate has also reached the UK, which holds the third highest number of data centres globally. Local opposition has been reported in areas including Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Brick Lane in east London, where residents have expressed concerns about negative impacts on their communities.
In Slough, described as Europe's largest cluster of data centres, over 500 people have signed a petition questioning the benefits to the town and calling for a pause on further data centre development.