AI TRENDS | OpenAI Pledges to Disclose Data Center Water Use and Commission Independent Noise Studies

OpenAI said Thursday it would disclose water use at its data centers, make its construction plans public, and commission independent noise studies before the facilities begin operating. According to Sina Finance, the company also pledged not to require public officials who discuss the controversial facilities to sign nondisclosure agreements. OpenAI issued its “National Community Compact” two days after voters in at least 38 jurisdictions passed measures restricting or banning data center construction. It reiterated that it would cover all costs for its data center infrastructure and power operations. In a policy blueprint released alongside the compact, OpenAI urged lawmakers to codify its pledges in industry-wide policy. Public opposition in the United States has focused on the facilities’ daily consumption of millions of gallons of water and thousands of megawatt-hours of energy, which depletes local resources and raises utility bills.