Tarrant lawmaker plans Texas data center transparency legislation
State Sen. Tan Parker, representing the Fort Worth area, is developing legislation focused on transparency and public discussion requirements for data center development in Texas. This initiative comes amidst existing moratoriums introduced by the Fort Worth City Council and Gov. Greg Abbott due to public outcry. Parker aims to create a framework that incentivizes responsible development, drawing lessons from his past experience with the oil and gas industry.
State Sen. Tan Parker, a Republican from Flower Mound, is preparing to introduce legislation concerning data centers in Texas. This move follows public concerns that led the Fort Worth City Council to enact a moratorium and Governor Greg Abbott to introduce a temporary moratorium on data center development.
Speaking at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Senator Parker, who previously co-authored artificial intelligence regulations, stated his proposed bills will establish frameworks for public discussion and transparency requirements for the rapidly expanding data center industry. He emphasized that the legislation would incentivize good behavior rather than mandate specific actions, drawing parallels to his experience with the Barnett Shale natural gas drilling boom in north Tarrant and Denton counties, where initial industry practices were deemed "arrogant" and "out of touch."
Despite planning to regulate the industry, Parker also voiced a strong belief in the necessity of continued data center development for Texas and national security and economic dominance. Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Parker's crucial role in the legislature for the city's economic future due to his involvement in transportation, education, and workforce issues. Parker is expected to file the bills when the Texas Legislature convenes on January 12.