Don’t Fumble Texas Sports: Why Talarico Owes Fans Answers on His Athletic Priorities

Texas could be on the verge of another major professional sports opportunity. The NHL is exploring a potential expansion franchise in Houston or Austin. The process could involve billions of dollars in investment, a new arena and another major addition to the state’s sports landscape. But the opportunity also raises questions about Texas’ political and economic future. James Talarico has called for stronger federal regulation of data centers, including new requirements involving electricity, water and infrastructure. Those proposals do not directly concern NHL arenas, but they put his broader economic philosophy under the microscope.