OpenAI is urging the government to significantly expand its support for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Beyond simply securing funding, the company believes strategic government action is crucial to accelerating the growth of AI within the United States.
The call to action comes in a letter sent by OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane to Michael Kratsios, director of science and technology policy for the White House. Lehane argues that the existing Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC), established through the Biden administration’s Chips Act, should be broadened to encompass not just semiconductor fabrication, but also essential components like electrical grids, AI servers, and AI-specific data centers.
The AMIC currently offers a 35% tax credit designed to incentivize domestic manufacturing of semiconductors. OpenAI believes extending this incentive to other aspects of AI infrastructure would significantly reduce the financial burden for private companies investing in these endeavors. This broadened coverage, according to Lehane, “will lower the effective cost of capital, de-risk early investment, and unlock private capital to help alleviate bottlenecks and accelerate the AI build in the US.”
OpenAI goes further, requesting government action on two additional fronts: expediting the permitting and environmental review processes for large-scale AI infrastructure projects, and establishing a strategic reserve of raw materials vital for construction. These critical elements include copper, aluminum, and processed rare earth minerals, which are increasingly in high demand due to the rapid growth of AI technology.
The letter first surfaced on October 27th but gained wider attention recently after comments by OpenAI executives at a Wall Street Journal event sparked further discussion about their broader policy aspirations. CFO Sarah Friar initially suggested the government should “backstop” loans for OpenAI’s infrastructure projects, although she later clarified on LinkedIn that her choice of words was misleading and that OpenAI is not seeking direct loan guarantees from the government.
CEO Sam Altman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while OpenAI values partnerships with government agencies, it does not desire or expect any form of taxpayer-backed bailout for its infrastructure endeavors. “We believe that governments should not pick winners or losers, and that taxpayers should not bail out companies that make bad business decisions or otherwise lose in the market,” he stated. However, Altman acknowledged that discussions had taken place regarding loan guarantees specifically aimed at supporting the expansion of semiconductor fabrication plants within the United States.
These clarifications reveal a nuanced position: OpenAI seeks government support for AI infrastructure development without seeking outright financial backing or preferential treatment over its competitors. The company advocates for targeted policies and incentives that foster a more favorable environment for private investment in this rapidly evolving field.
