Staff Reports
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton rolled out a new “Texas First” data‑center plan this week as part of his U.S. Senate campaign. The four‑point proposal promises to block Chinese technology, hold data centers accountable when they power dangerous AI chatbots, back the DATA Act to change how centers get power, and support Governor Greg Abbott’s recent pause on new grid approvals. It’s a bold play that taps real voter anger — and it deserves a hard look, not just applause line by line.
What Paxton actually proposed
The plan has four main pieces: a federal ban on Chinese‑linked equipment in American data centers, criminal liability for sites that “power” AI systems that endanger children, support for the DATA Act so hyperscale users can pursue off‑grid power options, and backing for state steps to roll back tax breaks and force data centers to pay for their own infrastructure costs. Paxton frames it as protecting neighborhoods, conserving water and power, and keeping Texas in charge of its future. That language plays well with voters worried about rapid data‑center growth from urban Austin to rural counties.
Good politics, hard law
No one should be surprised that this resonates with Texans. People on Main Street and in college towns alike have complained about noise, water usage, and spikes in electric demand. But grandstanding and governing are different things. The criminal‑liability idea sounds tough — and sells — but proving that a particular server farm “powered” a specific chatbot’s harmful content will be legally and technically messy. As one observer put it, the chatbot angle helps politically, but it’s hard to figure out in practice. We shouldn’t promise miracles; we should demand workable laws.
How conservatives ought to press the issue
If Paxton is serious, he should push for measures conservatives can get behind and enforce. Repeal or tighten the sales‑tax exemptions that subsidized the boom. Require companies to fund transmission and water upgrades so taxpayers aren’t left holding the bill. Back a narrow, evidence‑based ban on Chinese supply‑chain risks with clear certification rules — not vague catch‑alls. And if you’re going to hold operators criminally responsible, set a clear standard: intent or reckless disregard, not a slippery strict liability test that would make every utility worker nervous. That’s how you protect kids and property without turning every server stack into a legal landmine.
Bottom line: fight, but do the homework
Texans want someone who fights for them against Big Tech’s worst excesses. Paxton is right to make data centers a campaign issue and to line up with Governor Abbott’s pause. But voters should demand specifics, not slogans. If Paxton wants to be more than a campaign sound bite, he needs a bill draft, enforcement tools, and a plan to work with utilities and industry instead of just pointing fingers. Tough talk wins headlines; practical law wins lasting results. Let’s hope this plan turns into the latter — and not just another photo op with a campaign graphic.
