OpenAI Urges Federal Support for $500 Billion Stargate Project

OpenAI is requesting U.S. federal support for the Stargate project, a $500 billion initiative to massively expand the company's data center network. In a letter to the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy, CEO Sam Altman described the project as a "once-in-a-century opportunity" to reindustrialize the American economy. Altman projected that a $1 trillion investment in AI infrastructure could increase GDP growth by more than 5% within three years.

To realize this growth, the company recommends the annual addition of 100 gigawatts of energy capacity and a broader expansion of the skilled trade workforce, specifically for electricians and mechanics. OpenAI warned that a significant "electron gap" between the United States and China currently threatens national security and AI competitiveness.

The expansion has drawn criticism due to its environmental and economic impact. New data centers have contributed to rising household electricity bills in 13 states. Additionally, reliance on polluting fossil fuels for these facilities may result in public health costs estimated between $5.7 billion and $9.2 billion.