OpenAI pledges to cover data center power costs as political backlash grows

OpenAI pledged to cover power costs at data center campuses it owns and asked lawmakers to codify similar rules, responding to intensifying political backlash. The announcement came two days after voters backed curbs on development in most local ballot measures. The company released a policy blueprint urging federal, state, and local lawmakers to adopt common commitments, including financial assurances for delayed projects, water plans, public reporting on energy use, and limits on nondisclosure agreements with officials. OpenAI cited local investments like a $4.8 million grant for school meals in Georgia and a $6 million childcare commitment in Ohio. OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer said work on the blueprint began in August, and some projects could be delayed as data centers become politically unpopular. Developers had canceled at least $260 billion in planned U.S. projects as of mid-October, mostly due to local permit denials or government opposition.