56% of New Jersey voters back local bans on AI data centers
A majority of New Jersey residents oppose data center development in their communities, according to a statewide poll released May 5 by the Stockton Polling Institute. The survey found 56% would support banning such facilities locally, while 22% would oppose and 21% remain unsure.
The poll surveyed 642 registered voters from April 21-27 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.
The findings reflect mounting resistance at local planning meetings across the state. Towns including Vineland, Kenilworth, and Pemberton have fielded resident complaints about water usage, energy demand, and environmental impacts. Pemberton officials approved a local data center ban earlier this year.
Broader skepticism about AI
Concerns about data centers are tied to growing unease about artificial intelligence itself. Nearly three-quarters of voters (74%) believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates, compared with just 7% who expect net job creation.
Voters' outlook on how AI will affect their personal lives has grown more pessimistic. A plurality (41%) say increased AI use will make their lives worse-up from 36% in a 2024 Stockton poll-while 27% expect improvements.
Just 8% of voters see data centers as beneficial to host communities. Nearly half (49%) say they do more harm than good.
Energy and environment drive opposition
Utility costs are a primary concern. About 81% of voters worry that data centers could raise electricity prices, with 54% expressing strong concern. Environmental impacts-particularly energy and water consumption-worry 76% of voters.
Alyssa Maurice, assistant director of the Hughes Center for Public Policy, said the state already contends with energy-intensive industries including pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing. "The growth of data centers anywhere in the region will only add to existing demand pressures," she said.
What voters want from policymakers
Public support for stricter oversight is substantial. The poll found 84% of voters back requiring data centers to supply their own power sources rather than tap the existing grid. A similar share-81%-supports tougher environmental and energy efficiency standards.
Tax incentives face broad opposition. Seventy-two percent of voters oppose tax breaks or subsidies to attract data center development.
When asked about the state's overall approach, 46% of voters favor encouraging development with strict regulations, while 35% say New Jersey should discourage data centers entirely. Just 12% support a less regulated, growth-focused model.
Maurice said the policy debate is still in its early stages. "Questions remain over appropriate zoning, how energy is sourced, and who pays for much-needed grid upgrades," she said. "At the same time, New Jersey leaders are sure to face continued pressure to reduce energy costs for residents."
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