Public opposition to data centers appears widespread across the United States, according to a new database that compiles more than 10,000 comments made at local government meetings during 2026. The project, called American Sentiment, was created by San Francisco-based AI startup Prophecy Gov.
The database covers 10,202 public comments from 906 meetings across 48 states and 417 local governments. Of those comments, 90.5% were negative toward proposed data center developments, while 7% expressed support and 2.5% consisted of questions. No data center supporters appeared in 73% of the meetings, and supporters were outnumbered by opponents six to one when both groups were present.
The website cautions that public comments do not necessarily represent the views of the entire country. However, it says the debate over data center construction has recently reached an unusually intense level. The figures come amid growing resistance to new AI infrastructure, including public opposition that preceded Amazon's cancellation of plans for four facilities.
Water consumption was the most common concern raised by commenters. Other leading complaints involved the effect on local quality of life and a perceived lack of transparency surrounding proposed projects. Many participants also questioned whether the promised economic and community benefits of data centers would actually materialize.
Despite the focus on AI-related infrastructure, AI itself was not a major theme in most comments. Around 21% mentioned AI, meaning roughly four in five comments did not refer to it. Google, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft were among the companies named by people opposing data center projects. Elon Musk was the most frequently mentioned individual, followed by OpenAI chief Sam Altman, Palantir's Peter Thiel, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Opposition was reported at similar levels in Republican-leaning and Democratic-leaning counties, although the issues varied by location. Rural commenters most often referred to community character, farmland and property rights. Urban and suburban participants more frequently raised transparency, distrust of government, air pollution and utility costs.
One group stood out for its comparatively positive view: 79% of commenters who identified as union workers supported data centers. By contrast, only 3% of property owners and 3% of residents expressed support. Among people identified as data center workers, 40% favored the construction of such facilities.
Sources: Tom's Hardware.