Listen to this article

The basics:

• Stockton poll: 56% of NJ voters support banning data centers locally
• 74% believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates
• Strong concerns over energy costs, environment
• Majority backs stricter rules, opposes tax incentives

A new statewide poll finds New Jersey voters increasingly wary of artificial intelligence — and deeply skeptical of the data center boom powering it. The survey shows a majority support bans on such facilities in their own communities, as opposition continues to surface at public meetings across the state.

Conducted by the Stockton Polling Institute at the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy, the poll shows 56% of voters would support banning data centers in their town, compared with 22% who would oppose and 21% who are unsure.

Released May 5, the poll surveyed 642 registered New Jersey voters from April 21–27 and has a margin of error +/- 3.9%.

The findings come as proposed and approved projects spark pushback at council, planning board and other local public meetings. In locales such as Vineland and Kenilworth, residents have raised concerns about water usage, energy demand, noise and long-term environmental impacts. In Pemberton, officials went a step further, approving a local ban on data centers earlier this year.

The poll underscores that broader unease. Nearly half of voters (49%) say data centers do more harm than good in host communities, while just 8% see them as beneficial.

AI skepticism

Concerns are closely tied to the rapid rise of AI itself. Nearly three-quarters of voters (74%) believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates, while just 7% think it will create more jobs. A plurality (41%) say increased use of AI will make their lives worse – up from 36% in a 2024 Stockton poll – while 27% believe it will improve their lives.

Despite that skepticism, awareness of the industry’s physical footprint is growing. A majority of voters (54%) say they have heard at least something about the rise of AI data centers across the state. New Jersey officials have sought to position the state as a hub through tax incentives and development efforts.

Energy and environmental concerns are a major driver of opposition, particularly as residents already grapple with high utility costs. About 81% of voters say they are concerned about how data centers could affect electricity prices, including 54% who are very concerned. Similarly, 76% express concern about environmental effects such as energy and water use.

“New Jersey is home to many energy-intensive industries, from pharmaceuticals to advanced manufacturing to technology, and the growth of data centers anywhere in the region will only add to existing demand pressures,” said Hughes Center Assistant Director Alyssa Maurice.

Who pays for what

At the same time, voters show strong support for stricter oversight of the industry. The poll found 84% support requiring data centers to supply their own new sources of power rather than relying on the existing electric grid, and 81% back tougher environmental and energy efficiency standards. Public support is also low for incentives, with 72% opposing tax breaks or subsidies to attract data center development.

The policy debate around data centers is just beginning …
– Alyssa Maurice, assistant director, William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy

When asked about the state’s overall approach, a plurality of voters (46%) favor encouraging data center development with strict regulations on energy usage and environmental impacts, while 35% say the state should discourage development entirely and 12% support a less regulated, growth-focused approach.

“The policy debate around data centers is just beginning, as questions remain over appropriate zoning, how energy is sourced, and who pays for much-needed grid upgrades,” said Maurice. “At the same time, New Jersey leaders are sure to face continued pressure to reduce energy costs for residents.”

Maurice noted the findings highlight the challenge facing policymakers as they try to balance economic growth tied to AI infrastructure with growing public concern about costs, environmental sustainability and local community impact.

The full poll results can be found here.