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The company said it would not use non-disclosure agreements with public officials discussing projects and would protect residents from the electricity costs associated with its facilities. OpenAI has pledged greater transparency in data center negotiations. Its National Community Compact announcement follows US mid-term elections in which voters backed several candidates seeking tighter AI oversight and restrictions on data center development.
At least 45 projects valued at $88 billion faced some form of local resistance in the second quarter of 2026, according to Data Center Watch.
The company said it would publicly track and report progress. Chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane said OpenAI developed the commitments through discussions with residents and officials in Georgia, Ohio, Texas and other states. OpenAI also promised to reduce electricity consumption during peak periods, return power to the grid and establish local hiring targets where the available workforce permits. That opposition has increasingly disrupted development plans. This week’s mid-term election results added to the political pressure, with voters supporting candidates who have called for closer scrutiny of AI infrastructure. Lehane acknowledged that resistance could delay some OpenAI projects.
OpenAI said it had been developing the commitments for months and that they were not a response to the election results. They come as local opposition creates obstacles for the industry’s expansion.