OpenAI Pledges Full Data Center Power Costs After Voters Reject 40 of 41 AI Measures
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Nov 5
OpenAI Pledges Full Data Center Power Costs After Voters Reject 40 of 41 AI Measures
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Nov 5
Summary
OpenAI on Thursday published new commitments for data centers it owns and operates, including paying full power costs, soliciting community input, disclosing construction plans and avoiding NDAs with public officials.
The move came two days after voters delivered a broad setback to AI expansion: 40 of 41 local ballot measures across 10 states either imposed restrictions or rejected pro-development proposals.
OpenAI also released a policy blueprint urging lawmakers to turn similar standards into law, saying the framework has been in development since August and discussed with dozens of officials.
The backlash reflects worries that data centers could raise utility bills, worsen environmental damage and threaten jobs even as AI companies race to add capacity.
That tension is central to OpenAI's growth plans: the company told investors in February it is targeting $600 billion in total compute spending by 2030 and has announced major projects in Georgia and Ohio.