# Survey Finds 71% Oppose Local AI Data Centers, 53% Oppose Local Nuclear Plant Builds By Simon Yoon Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/42205 Published: 2026-10-28T01:28:29.000Z Updated: 2026-10-28T01:28:29.000Z Section: Technology > U.S. data centers used about 176 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2023, or 4.4% of national use. A March survey found 71% of respondents opposed local AI data center construction, compared with 53% who opposed local nuclear plant construction. The gap was 18 percentage points. U.S. data centers used about 176 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2023, equal to 4.4% of the nation’s electricity use. Survey respondents cited resource use, environmental effects, quality of life and utility bills as concerns. The 71% opposition figure also appeared in [earlier coverage of local AI data center opposition](). The March survey’s comparison with local nuclear plants adds another measure of views on large facilities built in communities. Separately, Newton County, Georgia, has faced a dispute over water pressure. A local mayor there expects water bills to rise 33% over the next two years. ## Links in this article - [earlier coverage of local AI data center opposition](https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/38318)