Poll Shows Significant Opposition to Data Center Construction Across US and Utah

Salt Lake City, UT, September 23, 2026 —

A recent poll reveals a widespread opposition to the construction of data centers, with a significant majority of both Americans nationwide and residents specifically in Utah expressing disapproval. This sentiment persists even when presented with arguments suggesting that such facilities are crucial for national security competition, particularly concerning China, or that they contribute to economic growth.

The findings suggest that the public’s concerns regarding data center development are not easily swayed by these potential benefits. The poll indicates that a substantial portion of respondents oppose these projects regardless of the presented justifications.

In Utah, this opposition has manifested in vocal local protests and objections to specific data center projects within the state. While the poll provides data on the general sentiment, specific details regarding the polling methodology, the exact percentages of opposition, or the timeframe of the poll were not provided.

The trend summary does not specify the organization that conducted the poll, the sample size, the margin of error, or the exact wording of the questions asked. It also does not detail any specific local data center projects in Utah that have faced opposition, nor does it mention any outcomes of these local disputes.

Despite the arguments often put forth by developers and proponents regarding job creation, tax revenue, and technological advancement, the poll indicates that public opinion, at least in a significant majority, leans against the widespread construction of these facilities. The specific reasons behind this opposition, beyond a general disapproval, were not detailed in the available information.

Story summarized from the original created by Leah Bowers on www.deseret.com, see more information here.

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