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Lebanon Today
By the People, for the People
Data Centers Emerge as Potential Campaign Issue
Poll finds nearly half of respondents expect data centers to be a campaign issue in their area in the next 5 years
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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A new survey from Politico and Public First found that nearly half of respondents believe the increase in data centers will be a campaign issue in their area in the next five years. The poll also found that 37 percent of respondents would support a new data center built in their area, while 28 percent were in opposition and 28 percent could not say.
Why it matters
Data centers are a growing part of the tech landscape, with major firms like Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Meta investing billions into new facilities across the country. However, these energy-intensive facilities can impact the environment and increase electricity costs for local residents, which is emerging as a potential political issue.
The details
The survey found that 52 percent of those who initially supported a new data center in their area would still back its construction if it increased their monthly energy bill by $10, but that number dropped to 39 percent if the increase was $25. Conversely, nearly half of those who initially supported a new data center reversed positions when told it would boost their bill by $25.
- The Politico and Public First poll was released on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The players
Politico
A media company that focuses on politics and policy news.
Public First
A research and strategy consultancy firm.
Amazon
A major technology company that is investing in data centers across the country.
Microsoft
A major technology company that is investing in data centers across the country.
A major technology company that is investing in data centers across the country.
Meta
A major technology company that is investing in data centers across the country.
What they’re saying
“We are the 'HOTTEST' Country in the World, and Number One in AI. Data Centers are key to that boom, and keeping Americans FREE and SECURE but, the big Technology Companies who build them must 'pay their own way,'”
— Donald Trump (Truth Social)
What’s next
Microsoft and Anthropic have unveiled plans to cover additional costs incurred by data centers, which could help address some of the concerns raised by residents.
The takeaway
The growth of data centers is emerging as a potential political issue, with concerns about their impact on the environment and electricity costs. As tech companies continue to invest in these facilities, they may need to find ways to address local community concerns to avoid backlash.
