OpenAI pledges to cover data center power costs after voter pushback

OpenAI published commitments Thursday to pay the full cost of powering its data centers, solicit community input, and publish construction plans, following widespread voter rejection of AI expansion in Tuesday's elections. The company's policy blueprint encourages lawmakers to enact similar commitments as laws, with Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane stating it establishes a "high floor" for future development. This follows voters approving restrictions or rejecting pro-development measures in 40 of 41 local ballot initiatives across 10 states. Opposition to data centers grew over the summer amid consumer concerns about environmental harm, higher utility bills, and job losses. OpenAI, targeting $600 billion in compute spending by 2030, has announced major projects in Georgia and Ohio and has worked on the blueprint since August.