Colorado Gov. Polis bullish on data centers despite backlash
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Only a small fraction of data center opponents actually live near one, a new national survey finds, but that isn't quieting the uproar in Colorado.
Why it matters: Data centers have become a stand-in for broader anger and fear surrounding an AI-driven future, one of the few tangible manifestations.
- The concern is driving moratoriums, like the vocal opposition to Project Taurus in Colorado Springs and the one-year pause in Denver.
State of play: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis defends data centers, saying frustration about what the rise of AI means is "what's giving people pause."
- "Of course, there needs to be data centers," Polis said in a recent interview with Axios at the Aspen Ideas Festival.
- "As long as you can show me it's going to reduce our utility rates and be consistent with our water use, then absolutely we want them here."
The big picture: The public remains divided on data centers, with direct opposition falling short of a majority, according to the survey, which was conducted by Milltown Partners, a consulting firm that counsels leading AI labs and tech startups.
- Nearly half of those surveyed support a temporary construction ban.
- Respondents were split on data centers being built near their homes, and 34% opposed them.
Yes, but: Most resistance to data centers isn't coming from their neighbors. Only 8% of the respondents who oppose data centers say they know of one or more near their home, the poll found.
The intrigue: Asked whether he would rather host a town hall on data centers or the state's controversial wolf reintroduction plan, Polis said: "That's a tough one. I think I'd probably rather host one on wolves these days."