HARRISBURG, Pa. — A solid majority of Pennsylvania voters oppose the construction of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in their local communities, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.
The survey, released July 15, found that 74% of surveyed registered voters in the state would oppose building an AI data center in their neighborhood, compared to just 16% who would support it. The remaining 10% did not offer an opinion.
This represents an increase in public pushback since February, when a similar Quinnipiac poll found that 68% of Pennsylvania voters opposed local data centers, while 20% supported them.
High public awareness and scrutiny
The issue of data center development has quickly caught the attention of the state's electorate. According to the poll, 76% of voters say they are following news about AI data centers closely, with 26% following "very closely" and 50% following "somewhat closely." Only 24% of those surveyed said they do not follow the issue closely.
Mixed grades for Gov. Shapiro
The poll also highlighted voter skepticism regarding how state leadership is managing the rapid expansion of the energy-intensive industry.
Only 24% of Pennsylvania voters approve of the way Governor Josh Shapiro is handling AI data centers in the Commonwealth. Meanwhile, 34% say they disapprove of his administration's approach, and 42% did not offer an opinion.
