OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research company, has pledged to discontinue the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with public officials in discussions concerning its data center projects. The company's new "National Community Compact" and "Compute Campus Policy Blueprint," released on Thursday, outline a series of commitments aimed at increasing transparency and addressing local concerns. This policy change comes two days after U.S. midterm elections saw widespread voter opposition to data center development, with 40 out of 41 ballot measures across 10 states either rejecting or restricting such projects.
The new commitments apply to data centers that OpenAI owns and operates. Under the revised policy, the company will only seek "narrow protections covering legitimate security information, trade secrets, or proprietary or competitively sensitive information" in its dealings with public officials. OpenAI also stated that it will publish site-specific plans detailing the temporary effects of construction, including independent noise studies, water usage, energy costs, and economic impacts. The company has committed to publicly reporting progress on these pledges.
Beyond NDAs, OpenAI reiterated a prior commitment to fully cover the electricity costs and necessary grid upgrades for its data centers, ensuring that existing utility customers are not burdened with higher bills. The company also plans to implement measures to reduce strain on electricity grids, such as scaling back power draw during peak demand periods and potentially supplying power back to the grid. To protect communities in case a project faces delays, reductions, or cancellations, OpenAI will provide financial assurances against stranded assets.
OpenAI's Chief Global Affairs Officer, Chris Lehane, stated that the initiative had been under development for several months and was not solely a response to the election results. He noted that the commitments were developed through discussions with residents and officials in states like Georgia, Ohio, and Texas. The company also aims to foster local economic benefits by setting local hiring targets where feasible and making community investments, which "could support housing stability" and "invest in education." OpenAI has previously directed grants, such as a $4.8 million grant for school meals in Georgia and a $6 million commitment for childcare in Ohio, based on community input.
The company has also proposed that lawmakers adopt similar requirements for all AI companies, aiming to establish a high standard for industry practices. This move to rebrand its facilities as "compute campuses" and engage more openly with communities reflects a recognition of mounting public resistance to the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.