OpenAI Sets New Community Rules for Its Data Center Projects
The company says it will publish plans, seek local input and avoid nondisclosure agreements with public officials as opposition grows.
Key takeaways
- OpenAI says it will seek community input and publish construction plans for facilities it owns and operates.
- The company says it will not use nondisclosure agreements with public officials on future sites.
- Nearly all 41 data center ballot measures went against data centers, according to Ballotpedia.
OpenAI says it will seek community input, publish construction plans and avoid nondisclosure agreements with public officials for data centers it owns and operates. The commitments, announced Thursday, come after voters opposed nearly all data center-related ballot measures this week, according to Ballotpedia.
Residents will be able to review plans and potential effects on traffic, noise and lighting, the company said. Proprietary information would still be kept confidential, according to CNA.
OpenAI also renewed its pledge to cover the full cost of powering its facilities. Its policy blueprint urges policymakers to make similar commitments law.
Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane said the plan has been in development since August. He said a data center in southern Ohio is expected to create 2,500 long-term jobs, with an average annual salary of $80,000.
Lehane also said data centers require hardware updates every three to five years, which he presented as a source of continuing work. Partners including Oracle build and own much of the infrastructure used by OpenAI, CNA reported.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
