OpenAI unveils data-center policy blueprint after voter backlash

OpenAI issued a policy blueprint committing to greater transparency and community engagement for company-run data centers, including publishing construction plans, paying the full cost of electricity, protecting ratepayers, and ending NDAs with public officials. The move follows midterm results in which voters across most of 41 local ballot measures rejected or restricted new data-center development amid concerns over water, power, and costs. OpenAI, which has announced major projects in Georgia and Ohio and targets $600 billion in compute spending by 2030, urged lawmakers to codify similar standards. The company said the blueprint reflects lessons from recent outreach and aligns with steps other tech firms have taken.

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