A majority of American voters support new data center construction when companies are required to protect local communities, according to a bipartisan poll released Oct. 15. The findings suggest that opposition to the facilities can ease when developers agree to enforceable safeguards rather than leaving residents to shoulder the costs.

The survey, commissioned by the American Infrastructure Alliance and conducted by Republican polling firm Fabrizio Ward and Democratic firm Impact Research, found that 64% of registered voters support allowing data centers with community protections or in locations approved by state and local governments. Just 31% favor a complete halt to new construction.

Support varied depending on the conditions attached to development. Some 54% of respondents backed construction when companies commit in writing to covering their electricity needs, preventing higher utility bills for other customers and protecting water resources. Another 10% supported projects wherever state and local authorities approve them.

The poll also found strong bipartisan backing for rules requiring data centers to pay their own electricity costs, help expand power generation, conserve water and limit noise. Overall, 78% supported these requirements, including 54% who said they strongly favored them.

The issue could become a factor in November’s midterm elections. Nearly six in 10 voters, or 58%, said they would be more likely to support a candidate who backs enforceable protections for data centers. Only 9% said such a position would make them less likely to vote for that candidate.

Economic concerns also shaped voters’ views. Fifty-eight percent expressed concern that statewide bans could push data center development elsewhere, costing their communities well-paying construction jobs, skilled-trades employment and union work. Another 64% worried that moratoriums could send investment, economic growth and job opportunities to other states or foreign countries.

Respondents also raised concerns that restricting American data center construction could give China an advantage in the development of Super Intelligence technology.

The survey’s findings showed how much views could shift when safeguards were introduced. Although initial opposition to data centers stood at 58%, support rose to 64% after respondents considered requirements for infrastructure funding, water conservation and community benefits. Among those who initially opposed construction, 68% pointed to potential effects on their communities rather than concerns about Super Intelligence itself.

The American Infrastructure Alliance, a labor-business coalition advocating infrastructure development with community protections, commissioned the survey. Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research interviewed 1,800 registered voters nationwide from Sept. 23 through Sept. 27 using telephone and online methods. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.3 percentage points.