A new poll recently revealed how Pennsylvanians feel about the wave of data centers being proposed throughout the state, writes Erin McCarthy for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The survey, conducted by Real Clear Politics and Emerson College, asked Pennsylvania residents how they feel about data centers being built in the state and in their area. Over 2,000 responded to the online survey via text.

The research comes after an influx in centers throughout the Commonwealth, including the controversial Pennhurst data center in East Vincent Township.

Results revealed that 38 percent of responders support data centers being built in Pennsylvania statewide. 35 percent oppose, and 27 percent have no opinion.

However, when asked about data centers specifically in their area, the gap widened. 34 percent of respondents support centers in their area, 43 percent oppose, and 24 percent have no opinion.

As for southeastern Pennsylvania specifically, 45 percent of respondents oppose data centers in their area.

When asked about their specific concerns regarding the rise in centers, 70 percent of survey respondents listed concerns about water usage. 71 percent of respondents listed electricity usage.

The poll also asked how residents feel about artificial intelligence more generally, not just locally. Over half of respondents indicated that they feel AI will decrease the number of jobs in their field.

Additionally, nearly half of respondents indicated that they feel AI will have a negative impact on the economy. 46 percent of responses also indicated concerns that AI will negatively impact the environment.

Read more about the recent poll investigating Pennsylvanians’ opinions on the statewide rise in data centers in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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