Most Americans have heard about data centers, but many view their environmental and community effects negatively, according to a Pew Research Center survey released March 12.
The survey of 8,512 U.S. adults was conducted Jan. 20–26 and examined public views on how data centers affect the environment, energy costs, local jobs and nearby communities.
About 75% of Americans said they have heard at least a little about data centers, including 25% who said they have heard a lot and 50% who said they have heard a little.
Public opinion was more negative than positive when it came to environmental and local quality-of-life impacts. Thirty-nine percent said data centers are mostly bad for the environment, compared with 4% who said they are mostly good.
Similarly, 38% said data centers are mostly bad for home energy costs, while 6% said they are mostly good. About 30% said the facilities are mostly bad for the quality of life of people living nearby, compared with 6% who said they are mostly good.
Americans were somewhat more positive about economic effects. Twenty-five percent said data centers are mostly good for local jobs, compared with 15% who said they are mostly bad. About 23% said the facilities are mostly good for local tax revenue, while 12% said they are mostly bad.
Many respondents said they were unsure of the facilities’ impact. Around one-in-five or more said they did not know whether data centers have positive or negative effects in each area asked about.
Political affiliation also influenced views. Half of Democrats said data centers are mostly bad for the environment, compared with 31% of Republicans.
Democrats were also more likely than Republicans to say data centers increase home energy costs and reduce quality of life for nearby residents.
Younger adults were more likely than older adults to say data centers negatively affect the environment. Fifty-four percent of adults under 30 said they have a mostly negative environmental impact, compared with 26% of adults ages 65 and older.
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