US data centre backlash threatens AI expansion, UK faces similar tensions

September 16, 2026 at 04:39 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Opposition to data centres is growing in the US, with 71% of Americans opposed to having one in their area, according to Gallup polling published in May. Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders has called for a moratorium on new construction. The backlash could cross the Atlantic to the UK, which has the world's third-highest number of data centres.

Key Facts

Gallup polling published in May found 71% of Americans opposed to a data centre in their area, including 48% strongly opposed.
Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders has called for a moratorium on any new data centre construction in the US.
The UK has the third highest number of data centres in the world, ahead of China and behind the US.
Plans for a data centre in Brick Lane, east London, face backlash from locals who prefer social housing and local business developments.

US Opposition

In the US, opposition to data centres is most overt on the political left. Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders has called for a moratorium on any new construction. Gallup polling published in May suggested having a data centre in your area was more unpopular than having a nuclear power station. On data centres, 71% were opposed, including 48% strongly opposed, compared with 53% opposed to nuclear power stations. Some polls suggest half of Americans support a total pause on data centre construction.

UK Local Backlash

Opposition has emerged in the UK from Buckinghamshire and Berkshire to Brick Lane in east London. In Brick Lane, plans for a data centre likely to service the City of London's high frequency traders face a backlash from those who would prefer more social housing and local business developments. Pressure to expand data centre provision from Slough into the surrounding countryside is growing. The UK has the third highest number of data centres in the world, one spot ahead of China.