Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton is rolling out a plan to keep data centers in check in Texas.
Paxton is facing Democrat James Talarico in the U.S. Senate race in Texas. The two will go head-to-head in the Nov. 3 general election, with the winner heading to Washington to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who lost his reelection bid to Paxton during the Republican primary runoff in May.
“Texans deserve a fighter to lead and represent them as we address the growing presence of data centers in Texas and stop their negative impact on our neighborhoods," Paxton said in a news release. "While James Talarico and his campaign infrastructure accept millions of dollars from data center-affiliated donors and put their interests
first, I will lead with Texans at the forefront. That’s exactly why I am proud to release my 'Texas First Data Center Plan' that will put Texans first and protect our communities."
Paxton's "Texas First Data Center Plan" includes the following points:
- Author first-of-its-kind legislation prohibiting the usage of Chinese technology to power American data centers or being used in infrastructure.
- Author legislation to protect children by holding data center companies criminally liable if the center empowers AI chatbots that undermine children's safety.
- Cosponsor the currently proposed DATA Act that aims to aggressively eliminate outdated red tape and federal regulations and create new power systems that ensure data centers do not raise electricity costs for Texans.
- Support, advocate and champion Governor Greg Abbott’s data center plan at the state level, including:
- Prohibiting building AI data centers in rural Texas neighborhoods;
- Requiring best practices to reduce local impacts like setbacks, noise-reduction technology, light controls, traffic improvements, and emergency coordination during high-stress grid scenarios;
- Repeal sales tax exemptions and other outdated incentives;
- overhaul infrastructure priorities including requiring data centers to fund their electricity and ensure they are adding to Texas’ electric capacity, not detracting from it, and mandate closed-loop water systems for cooling.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that the United States will beat the Chinese Communist Party in the AI race," Paxton said. "This plan will ensure that happens while putting Texas first, protecting our culture and land, and safeguarding our families and communities. My plan will also work to ensure that data centers are not utilized to power AI platforms that endanger our children.”
Talarico touts his data center plan, attacks Paxton
Talarico, who has already released a comprehensive plan to rein in data centers, was quick to note that Paxton has received hundreds of thousands of dollars from data center companies and was a key supporter of legislation that led to their proliferation in Texas.
“Ken Paxton has taken nearly half a million dollars from the data center industry, voted to flood Texas with data centers by giving them billions in tax handouts, and has refused to use his power as attorney general to respond to Texans’ requests to block data center development in their communities," Talarico said in a statement. "Now he’s scared his ties to big data center companies will lose him the election, so he’s making a sad attempt to reverse course by releasing a plan he literally used AI to make."
Talarico's "Hold Data Centers Accountable Plan" includes ending tax breaks for data centers, lowering energy costs for Texans by forcing data centers to pay for their own infrastructure improvements, requiring data centers to use a closed-loop system to reduce water consumption, and enacting minimum federal standards for data center projects.
"Texans can’t afford a Senator who’s bought by big data center companies," Talarico said. "Texans can’t afford Ken Paxton’s corruption.”
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Paxton unveils data center plan; Talarico attacks in Texas US Senate race
