California City Takes Stand Against Data Centers Amid AI Backlash

WHO:

Fast Company - 71% of Americans oppose new AI data centers.

Fast Company - 55% of respondents in a recent survey strongly oppose data centers near their homes.

Inc - A California city has banned data centers permanently.

WHAT:

Fast Company - In a recent Gallup poll, 71% of Americans opposed new AI data centers, with nearly half strongly opposed.

Fast Company - A Heatmap survey conducted in May showed that strong opposition to data centers increased from 24% to 55% in less than a year.

Fast Company - In Virginia, support for local data center projects dropped from 69% in 2023 to 35% this year.

Fast Company - A city in California recently became the first to ban new data centers permanently.

Fast Company - A town in Missouri saw four city council members voted out after approving a $6 billion data center.

Fast Company - In a recent Gallup poll, only 26% of voters view AI positively, while 46% view it negatively, resulting in a net favorability of minus 20.

Fast Company - Fifty-seven percent of respondents in a Pew survey stated that they think the risks of AI outweigh the benefits.

Fast Company - A majority of Americans, 65%, believe that AI is developing too fast, according to a May poll from YouGov and the Economist.

Fast Company - In a series of Pew surveys that started in 2021, public enthusiasm about AI has been shrinking, with 50% now saying they are more concerned than excited about the technology.

Fast Company - Around half of respondents in the 2025 survey said that they thought AI would make it harder to think creatively or form meaningful relationships with other people.

Fast Company - In a recent Gallup poll, only 26% of voters view AI positively, while 46% view it negatively, resulting in a net favorability of minus 20.

Fast Company - A majority of Americans, 65%, believe that AI is developing too fast, according to a May poll from YouGov and the Economist.

Fast Company - Fifty-seven percent of respondents in a Pew survey stated that they think the risks of AI outweigh the benefits.

Fast Company - In a recent Gallup poll, 71% of Americans opposed new AI data centers, with nearly half strongly opposed.

Fast Company - A Heatmap survey conducted in May showed that strong opposition to data centers increased from 24% to 55% in less than a year.

Fast Company - In Virginia, support for local data center projects dropped from 69% in 2023 to 35% this year.

Fast Company - A town in Missouri saw four city council members voted out after approving a $6 billion data center.

Fast Company - Strong opposition to data centers increased from 24% to 55% in less than a year.

Fast Company - In Virginia, support for local data center projects dropped from 69% in 2023 to 35%.

Fast Company - One county in Virginia abandoned plans for a massive campus with up to 37 data centers.

Fast Company - 26% of voters view AI positively, while 46% view it negatively.

Fast Company - 57% of respondents believe the risks of AI outweigh the benefits.

Fast Company - 65% of Americans think AI is developing too fast.

WHERE:

Fast Company - Virginia is identified as a hotspot for data centers.

Inc - The ban on data centers occurred in a city in California.

WHEN:

Fast Company - A Heatmap survey conducted in May showed 55% opposition to data centers.

Fast Company - A Gallup poll conducted in May indicated 71% opposition to new AI data centers.

Fast Company - A national survey by NBC was conducted in March, showing AI's net favorability at minus 20.

WHY:

Fast Company - Fifty-seven percent of respondents in a recent survey stated that they think the risks of AI outweigh the benefits.

Fast Company - A third of those polled believe that neither political party is effectively managing AI policy.

Fast Company - Half of the opponents of data centers cited impacts on resources such as water and energy.

Fast Company - Concerns about AI include job elimination, high energy and water usage, and societal risks.

Fast Company - Half of the opponents of data centers cited impacts on resources like water and energy.

HOW:

TechRadar - Data centers that see local opposition are six times more likely to see projects cancelled.

TechRadar - Data centers that face local opposition are six times more likely to have their projects canceled.

Fast Company - The backlash against AI is leading to temporary moratoriums on data center construction in various locations.

(UPDATED June 10, 2026 10:18 UTC)

A recent Gallup poll revealed that 71% of Americans are opposed to new AI data centers, with nearly half expressing strong opposition, while a May heatmap survey showed that this strong opposition rose dramatically from 24% to 55% in under a year. In Virginia, support for local data center projects has plummeted from 69% in 2023 to just 35% this year, and a city in California has made headlines as the first to permanently ban new data centers. Additionally, a town in Missouri experienced significant political fallout, with four city council members voted out after approving a massive $6 billion data center, reflecting a growing sentiment that the risks of AI outweigh its benefits.

(UPDATED June 9, 2026 23:21 UTC)

A recent Gallup poll reveals that only 26% of voters view AI positively, while a significant 46% have a negative perspective, leading to a net favorability of minus 20. Additionally, a Pew survey shows that 57% of respondents believe the risks of AI outweigh its benefits, and 65% feel that AI is developing too quickly. Furthermore, ongoing Pew surveys indicate that public enthusiasm for AI has been declining since 2021, with half of the respondents expressing concerns that AI could hinder creativity and meaningful relationships.

(UPDATED June 9, 2026 17:42 UTC)

A recent Gallup poll reveals that only 26% of voters view AI positively, while 46% have a negative opinion, leading to a net favorability of minus 20. Additionally, a majority of Americans, 65%, feel that AI is developing too quickly, and 57% of respondents in a Pew survey believe the risks of AI outweigh its benefits. Furthermore, a third of those polled think that neither political party is effectively managing AI policy, and data centers facing local opposition are six times more likely to have their projects canceled.

(UPDATED June 9, 2026 13:52 UTC)

A recent Gallup poll reveals that a significant 71% of Americans are opposed to new AI data centers, with nearly half expressing strong opposition. This growing discontent is reflected in a Heatmap survey from May, which showed that strong opposition has surged from 24% to 55% in under a year, and in Virginia, support for local data center projects has plummeted from 69% in 2023 to just 35% this year. As concerns about resource impacts like water and energy intensify, many areas are implementing temporary moratoriums on data center construction, with notable political consequences, such as the ousting of four city council members in a Missouri town after they approved a $6 billion data center.

(UPDATED June 9, 2026 11:56 UTC)

A recent survey reveals that 71% of Americans oppose new AI data centers, with strong opposition rising from 24% to 55% in less than a year. In Virginia, support for local data center projects has plummeted from 69% to just 35%, prompting one county to abandon plans for a massive campus that would have included up to 37 data centers. Concerns about job elimination and resource usage are fueling this backlash, leading to temporary moratoriums on data center construction in various locations.