Siting Data Centers in the Public Eye: Predictors of Public Support and Opposition

Presenter: Hailey Winifred Martin

Faculty Sponsor: Brenda K. Bushouse

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Public Policy

Session: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, Auditorium, A47

ABSTRACT

The exponential growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has intensified global demand for data center capacity, raising urgent environmental and economic concerns. This paper aims to measure the extent of concerns towards data centers such as environmental impact, sustained job creation, energy prices, and residential satisfaction. A survey sent out to adults in the United States will measure favorability towards data centers, and what factors contribute to these opinions. The survey also seeks to understand if respondents are involved in the processes of developing a data center and exercising their opinion through civic engagement. Interviews with four types of stakeholders: Residents, Developers, Local Government Officials, and Environmental Organizations will provide differing perspectives on where priorities lie in data center development and if civic engagement is impacting these processes. A mixed-methods approach synthesizes findings from both data sources to evaluate public sentiment toward data centers, levels of community participation in civic siting processes, and the extent to which this participation affects approval decisions. Four times as many data center projects were canceled in 2025 than 2024, mainly attributed to public backlash. The data will show how strong public opinion leans and the extent to which stakeholders discuss evaluating public opinion in their decision-making. Findings will contribute to ongoing conversations about sustainable data infrastructure and inform policymakers, planners, and industry stakeholders seeking to align technological growth with community values.

RELATED ABSTRACTS