Data centers court schools as public opposition grows

Amid rising backlash, companies including Microsoft and Amazon are hosting K-12 field trips with coloring books and crossword puzzles about server racks. A Pew Research survey of 10,548 U.S. adults found 54% now see data centers as mostly bad for the environment, up from 39% in January 2026. The materials reportedly omit water use, emissions and utility-rate increases.

• 54% of U.S. adults see data centers as environmentally harmful, up from 39% in January
• At least 11 companies, including Microsoft, Amazon and Yahoo, hosted student visits since 2025
• Organizer 7×24 Exchange held at least six K-12 events in a single year
• 50% said data centers hurt home energy costs, up from 38% in January