A joint survey conducted by The Associated Press, the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, and the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute reveals growing public concern about artificial intelligence’s ecological consequences. The poll, based on interviews with 3,424 US adults conducted in August, found that 53 percent of respondents expressed being “extremely” or “very” concerned about AI’s environmental impacts. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s figure of 41 percent, indicating a 12 percentage point rise in concern.
The survey data demonstrates notable partisan differences in environmental anxiety related to artificial intelligence. Democrats show the highest levels of concern, with approximately two-thirds expressing significant worry, compared to roughly half of independents and 40 percent of Republicans. Beyond broader environmental apprehension, the poll indicates that Americans increasingly fear the localized effects of data centers that power AI and cloud computing systems. Substantial majorities express extreme or very serious concern regarding how these facilities might influence electricity prices and water supplies in their surrounding communities.
The United States has already developed thousands of data centers across the country, with construction continuing to expand at a significant pace. Virginia and Texas currently operate the most facilities, while California, Ohio, and New York rank as secondary hubs for digital infrastructure. These installations range from conventional facilities built decades ago to newly constructed hyperscale centers designed specifically for resource-intensive artificial intelligence processing. President Donald Trump has encouraged communities to support development of these facilities, emphasizing potential job creation benefits.
Experts and residents alike have raised concerns about the resource demands of AI infrastructure. Data centers consume substantial quantities of water for cooling systems, a factor that could prove particularly consequential at the local level despite representing a relatively modest share of national water consumption. Michael Greenstone, director of the University of Chicago institute involved in the survey, characterized the situation as “a massive experiment in real time,” noting the uncertainty inherent in rapid technological deployment. Community members have expressed concerns that decisions regarding data center development prioritize corporate interests over local welfare.
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