OpenAI kicks off charm offensive to change voters' view of data centers
ORCL•OpenAI said it will stop using non-disclosure agreements with public officials in future site discussions and give residents access to construction plans and projected local effects. One southern Ohio facility is expected to create 2,500 long-term jobs averaging $80,000 annually, an executive said.
1. New community policies
OpenAI said it will no longer use non-disclosure agreements with public officials when negotiating or discussing future sites, though proprietary information will remain confidential. The company will also give residents access to construction plans and projections for traffic, noise and lighting effects.
2. Jobs and opposition
OpenAI chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane said a facility in southern Ohio is expected to create 2,500 long-term jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000. He said data center hardware would need updating every three to five years. The policies come as opposition to data centers gained ground in elections and investors bet that tougher permitting could raise costs and slow construction.
