Story perspectives

69% of Voters Oppose Nearby AI Data Centers

9/8/2026

Summary

Voters Oppose AI Datacenters

Voters across parties oppose nearby AI data centers, with 69% saying no.
An NBC News poll of 7,105 adults (Aug 20–Sept 1) found 45% oppose nearby AI data centers.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that rejecting data centers could hurt economies and benefit China.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a bill to pause new data-center construction until safeguards exist.

Summary

Lawmakers Demand

Lawmakers on the Workforce Committee sent letters demanding records preservation and an investigation after Secretary Chavez-DeRemer resigned.
Rep. Bobby Scott warned Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito of his duty to keep Congress informed.
Scott urged Secretary Keith Sonderling to safeguard Labor Department records under the Federal Records Act.
Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito has not said if an ERISA investigation will launch.
AFGE Local 252 president Rachel Gittleman called Labor-Education agreements inefficient.

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Voters Oppose AI Datacenters

Voters across parties oppose nearby AI data centers, with 69% saying no.
An NBC News poll of 7,105 adults (Aug 20–Sept 1) found 45% oppose nearby AI data centers.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that rejecting data centers could hurt economies and benefit China.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a bill to pause new data-center construction until safeguards exist.

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