Voters just rejected datacenters on 41 ballot measures in 10 states

OpenAI's new framework follows voters overwhelmingly rejecting datacenter development through ballot measures in the midterm elections — voters rejected the projects on 41 ballot measures across 10 states, three of which would temporarily pause development.

The company's compact applies to every future compute campus it owns and operates, promises residents a meaningful voice in shaping site plans and a local point of contact for the life of the campus, and guarantees it will not use nondisclosure agreements with public officials.

The blueprint goes further than a company promise: it calls for public reporting on water, energy, noise and hiring, narrow limits on when developers can require officials to sign NDAs, and public tax-incentive terms with measurable commitments and a way to recover benefits if a developer falls short.