OpenAI pledges transparency in data center talks after voters back critics

OpenAI has pledged to increase transparency in data center negotiations, promising no secret deals with public officials and full payment for electricity and infrastructure costs, following US mid-term elections where voters backed data center critics. The company's National Community Compact includes disclosing noise, water, and energy impacts, avoiding non-disclosure agreements with officials, reducing peak electricity use, and setting local hiring targets. OpenAI said the commitments were developed over months, not as a response to election results. Local opposition has disrupted at least 45 projects valued at $88 billion in the second quarter of 2026. OpenAI's chief global affairs officer acknowledged voter sentiment must shape future projects, saying community input is essential to how democracy should work.