Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday plans for what he said would be the first new oil refinery built in the United States in five decades, with the project expected to be constructed in Brownsville, Texas.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the refinery represents a major investment connected to his administration’s broader push for expanded domestic energy production.
“America is returning to REAL ENERGY DOMINANCE! Today I am proud to announce that America First Refining is opening the FIRST new U.S. Oil Refinery in 50 YEARS in Brownsville, Texas,” the president posted on Truth Social. “THIS IS A HISTORIC $300 BILLION DOLLAR DEAL — THE BIGGEST IN U.S. HISTORY, A MASSIVE WIN for American Workers, Energy, and the GREAT People of South Texas!
“Thank you to our partners in India, and their largest privately held Energy Company, Reliance, for this tremendous Investment. It is because of our America First Agenda, streamlining Permits, and lowering Taxes, that have attracted Billions of Dollars in Deals coming back to our Nation,” he continued.
“A new Refinery at the Port of Brownsville, will fuel U.S. Markets, strengthen our National Security, boost American Energy production, deliver Billions of Dollars in Economic impact, and will be THE CLEANEST REFINERY IN THE WORLD. It will power Global Exports, and bring THOUSANDS of long overdue Jobs and Growth to a Region that deserves it. This is what AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE looks like. AMERICA FIRST, ALWAYS!” the president concluded.
The announcement aligns with President Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to expand domestic energy development and reduce regulatory barriers to production.
In that order, the president argued the United States has abundant natural resources capable of supporting economic growth but said federal regulations have limited energy development.
The policy directs federal agencies to encourage energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters while strengthening the country’s role as a global energy producer and processor of critical minerals.