OpenAI unveils community compact for data center transparency

OpenAI announced Thursday it will avoid nondisclosure agreements in data center negotiations and ensure residents don't pay for electricity powering those projects, part of a new framework released two days after US voters backed candidates supporting data center curbs. The National Community Compact pledges clear data on noise, water and energy impacts, reduced power use during peak times, grid contributions and local hiring goals, with public progress reports. OpenAI said households shouldn't bear data center costs and that investments should modernize America's energy grid. The announcement follows election results where Democratic governors in Texas, Georgia, Ohio and Pennsylvania won on platforms including data center oversight, leaving half of proposed AI additions vulnerable to scrutiny. At least 45 projects worth $68 billion faced local opposition in Q2 2026, and OpenAI acknowledged potential delays.