A new poll reveals that three in four Americans oppose data center construction in their communities, marking a rare bipartisan consensus. Opposition spans party lines, with 80 percent of independents and 83 percent of Democrats resisting local projects. Even two-thirds of Republicans oppose such developments, fearing political consequences in key Senate races.

This resistance has accelerated rapidly; net approval swung 62 percentage points since last August, with over 70 percent opposing in every region. The backlash has translated into concrete policy, as 500 jurisdictions have passed bans or moratoriums, including 150 local bans in July alone. Maryland and Virginia have enacted laws covering three-quarters of their populations.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott paused approvals for an electric grid audit, while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro imposed new guardrails, labeling companies "predatory." The opposition reflects broader frustrations with infrastructure and AI development, transcending traditional political divides.