OpenAI on Nov. 5 promised to open construction plans for future data centers to American cities and abandon confidentiality agreements with officials. Exceptions are reserved for security secrets and trade secrets. On the sites, which the company itself owns and operates, residents will be able to discuss in advance the effects of the road, noise assessments and water use. An investment of billions of dollars requires the consent of the people who will live near the server rooms.
According to Ballotpedia, on November 3, in 10 states, supporters of data center restrictions achieved the desired result in 40 of 41 local votes. This amount includes binding prohibitions, rejected zoning and advisory decisions. The deliberative outcome also warns the official about the mood of the neighbors of the future facility. Residents are worried about air pollution and pressure on local water sources.
In Texas, the Democratic governor-elect, Gina Hinojosa, is calling for the approvals to be suspended until the shield laws are passed. She defeated incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who is serving his third term in office. On August 3, Abbott banned the promotion of connection projects without verification. The Democrats may tighten the conditions that their opponents have already imposed. In January 2027, the party will hold a majority in both houses of Congress. Democrats will be able to conduct federal investigations and set conditions for passing the budget. A general ban on construction has not yet been accepted.
Electricity bills became the subject of relief long before November. Meta, Microsoft and Google, along with OpenAI, signed on to US President Donald Trump's initiative in March to protect consumers from data center costs. Anthropic promised in February to compensate for the increase in energy prices caused by its facilities. The artificial intelligence boom turned into complaints against the administration that supported it. The democratic victory forces companies to seek agreements with the new power holders.
Residents are also guaranteed future employment.