OpenAI pledges to cover data center power costs after US voters back restrictions

OpenAI pledged Thursday to cover all power costs for its data centers, publishing commitments to community input and transparency amid widespread voter opposition to AI infrastructure expansion in recent US elections. The company will solicit community feedback, publish construction plans, and avoid non-disclosure agreements with public officials, while urging policymakers to codify similar measures into law. Voters backed restrictions or rejected pro-development measures in 40 of 41 local ballot measures across 10 states, according to Ballotpedia. Opposition has grown across party lines, fueled by inflation, environmental concerns, and fears of higher utility bills and job losses. OpenAI targets $600 billion in computing expenditure by 2030 and has announced major projects in Georgia and Ohio, building on earlier pledges to protect ratepayers.