Voter backlash and OpenAI's response
In the US midterm elections, voters overwhelmingly supported local ballot measures restricting AI data center construction. Forty out of 41 local measures to restrict data centers passed. Nevertheless, OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar said in a CNBC interview that the company would continue its data center investments.
"We need to keep investing to meet that customer demand," Friar said, arguing that demand for AI is real. She stated that the election results do not drastically change anything for the company and that they will continue building relationships with communities.
What the election results show
According to NBC News exit polls, 56 percent of Americans considered AI and data centers a crucial or major factor in their vote. Gina Hinojosa, elected governor of Texas, campaigned on a promise to impose a moratorium on new data centers. This marks the first time in over three decades that a Democrat will lead the state.
OpenAI's previous steps
Following the elections, OpenAI announced new commitments to communities where it builds data centers. The company said it would no longer use non-disclosure agreements when discussing data center construction with officials. CEO Sam Altman tweeted that "people should always be in control of the future."
