OpenAI lobbyist Chris Lehane pursues "reverse federalism" strategy, pushing AI safety laws through California, New York, Illinois to create de facto national standard as federal legislation stalls in Washington.

Inside the next phase of OpenAI’s political strategy

As Washington dithers on AI safety, OpenAI’s top lobbyist is persuading blue states to pass laws that advance his plan for a national AI framework — and he says he’s just getting started.Chris Lehane delivers a speech at the Africa Travel Summit, on Sept. 12, 2018, in Cape Town. | Rodger Bosch/AFP via Getty ImagesThe artificial intelligence industry’s push for tech-friendly federal legislation is foundering in Washington. So OpenAI’s top lobbyist and political strategist is pursuing a backup str...