Data centers face mounting political opposition as 71% of Americans oppose facilities in their area, prompting AI companies to negotiate local benefit deals.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) called for a one-year freeze on new data centers in South Carolina; St. Charles, Missouri's city council voted 7-1 to ban them entirely. A Gallup poll found 71% of Americans oppose data facilities being built in their area, a higher level of opposition than nuclear power faces.

AI companies are negotiating agreements with local communities: Lancaster, Pennsylvania secured $20 million in area economic development, promises to hire locals, and water and energy usage limits. President Trump pushed AI companies to 'pay their own way' on power through separate rate structures covering electricity and grid upgrades.

For skilled trades workers, data centers are offering pay sometimes more than 30% higher than other similar opportunities, though widespread opposition could threaten construction jobs in rural areas. Nathan Leamer, executive director of Build American AI, warns the backlash 'kills jobs for construction workers who were hit hard during COVID and the recession.'