Growing public opposition to large-scale data centre developments has prompted OpenAI to outline new commitments on transparency, electricity costs and community involvement. The company wants these measures to become part of laws governing the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure.
In its proposed National Community Compact, released on Thursday, OpenAI said it would avoid using nondisclosure agreements during data centre negotiations and ensure local residents do not bear the electricity costs of powering these facilities.
The framework also promises clearer information about the potential impact of projects on noise, water use and energy consumption. OpenAI said it would reduce electricity use during peak demand, return power to the grid and set local hiring targets where the available workforce permits. The company will also publish updates on its progress.
“Households shouldn’t bear the costs of powering data centers,” OpenAI said in the policy document. “Instead, compute campus investment should help expand and modernise America’s energy grid, strengthen reliability, and deliver broader benefits to consumers.”
Community concerns shape the framework
OpenAI said the announcement had been in development for several months, before the latest US election results. The framework builds on measures already announced for projects in states such as Georgia and includes commitments shaped by discussions with residents and officials in Georgia, Ohio, Texas and other states.
Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, said some communities had faced negative experiences with companies over the past 20 to 30 years.
Recent election results have also highlighted growing resistance to data centre expansion. Gina Hinojosa, elected as Texas’s first Democratic governor in more than 3 decades, has called for an immediate pause on new data centre development.
Democratic gubernatorial victories in Georgia, Ohio and Pennsylvania could also expose proposed AI infrastructure projects to greater local scrutiny. According to Data Center Watch, at least 45 projects worth $68 billion faced disruption due to local opposition in Q2 2026.
Lehane acknowledged that opposition could delay some OpenAI projects. He said the company had spoken with both incumbent and challenger candidates in recent months but did not identify them.
“If you’re going to go into a community and you’re going to want to build in that community, you do have to do it with the community and get the community input,” Lehane said. He added that public responses at the ballot box were an important message that companies and officials must address.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.