OpenAI pledges no NDAs and free grid power for US data centers
OpenAI announced a new framework for its US data center projects on Thursday, promising to avoid nondisclosure agreements and ensure local residents do not pay for electricity used by its facilities. The commitments, outlined in a National Community Compact, also include transparency on impacts like noise, water use, and energy consumption, reduced peak power usage, grid power contributions, and…
Key points
- OpenAI will avoid NDAs and ensure local residents don’t pay for electricity in new data centers
- Framework includes transparency reports on noise, water, energy use, and local hiring goals
- 45 projects worth $88 billion disrupted in Q2 2026 due to community opposition, per *Data Center Watch*
The move follows a wave of local opposition: at least 45 projects worth $88 billion faced disruptions in the second quarter of 2026 due to community pushback, per Data Center Watch. Governors-elect like Texas’s Gina Hinojosa have called for moratoriums, signaling stricter oversight could derail proposed AI data center expansions in key states. OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, Chris Lehane, noted the company’s efforts stem from past frustrations in economically distressed areas, where residents have historically faced negative consequences from corporate expansions.
OpenAI to Change How It Handles Data Center Efforts After Outcry
finance.yahoo.com · 5 November 2026
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