Senator Kevin Sparks of Midland has been named chair of the natural resources committee of the Texas Senate by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. After the departure of five senators, including four committee chairs, Patrick named leaders of standing committees and new interim committees. They will remain in their positions through the 90th session of the Texas legislature that begins in January 2027.
Sparks (R-Midland) was also named vice chair of the Senate committee on water, agriculture and rural affairs, which is chaired by Charles Perry (R-Lubbock).
Sparks has served since 2023 as a member of the natural resources committee, a seven-member group that oversees natural gas and oil, minerals, land use and environmental quality. In March after he was appointed chair, Sparks told the Odessa American, “Texas’ natural resources are the lifeblood of our economy, our communities and our way of life. I am honored to serve as chairman of this committee and committed to advancing policies that protect and grow these vital assets for all Texans.”