On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced new committee assignments for the Texas Senate, appointing Senator Kevin Sparks (R-Midland) as Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, along with several other key committee and commission roles.
As chairman, Senator Sparks will oversee a seven-member panel managing critical issues tied to Texas’ natural resources, including oil and gas, minerals, land use, environmental protection, and the state’s broader energy landscape. Sparks has been a member of the Committee on Natural Resources since 2023 and has actively sponsored legislation aimed at preventing oilfield theft, mitigating wildfire risks, and strengthening energy production across the Permian Basin and the wider state.
In addition to his chairmanship, Sparks was appointed Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs. Representing the Texas Panhandle, he will work closely with fellow West Texan leadership to address the needs of agricultural producers and rural communities.
Senator Sparks also received reappointments to the Committee on Health and Human Services and the Sunset Advisory Commission, where he has focused on improving rural healthcare and advancing foster care reforms. His continued involvement ensures a close review of health and human services agencies under the 2026–2027 Sunset Advisory Commission schedule.
Further responsibilities include a new appointment to the Committee on Business & Commerce and a reappointment as Vice Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, with oversight of policies affecting business regulation, insurance, and grid reliability.
Sparks’ other roles encompass a new appointment to the Senate Select Committee on Homeland and Border Security and a reappointment to the Senate Committee on Nominations, reflecting a broad legislative portfolio that touches energy, economic growth, public safety, and rural affairs.
