BROWNSVILLE, Texas - President Trump says a $3.5 billion oil refinery is to be built on 240 acres at the Port of Brownsville.
The hydrogen-powered refinery will be developed by America First Refining and is expected to contribute an estimated $300 billion improvement to the U.S. trade balance.
Trump said it will be the first new oil refinery in the United States for 50 years.
“America is returning to really energy dominance,” Trump said, on his social media platform. “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. This is a historic $300 billion deal - the biggest in U.S. history. This is a massive win for American workers, energy, and the great people of South Texas.”
Trump said the U.S. is partnering with an Indian firm, Reliance, and thanked them for their “tremendous” investment.
He said that project has come about thanks to his America First agenda, along with streamlining the permitting process, and lowering taxes. This, he said, has “attracted billions of dollars in deals.”
“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,” Trump said. “It will power global exports, and bring thousands of long overdue jobs and growth to a region that deserves it.”
Trump added: “This is what American energy dominance looks like. America first, always.”
PR Newswire stated:
In February, America First Refining received a 9-figure investment from a global supermajor at a 10-figure valuation. AFR also signed a binding 20-year offtake term sheet with the same global supermajor that secures commitments to purchase, process, and distribute American-produced energy exclusively sourced from American shale oil. The company will officially break ground on the new refinery in Q2 2026.
"This project represents a historic step forward for American energy production," said John V. Calce, chairman and founder of America First Refining. "For the first time in half a century, the United States will build a new refinery designed specifically for American shale oil. Thanks to President Trump's leadership and the resurgence of an America First energy policy, we are creating thousands of high-quality jobs while ensuring more of our nation's energy resources are refined here at home in the cleanest, most efficient refinery on the planet."
"This is one of the most important energy infrastructure projects in America today," said Trey Griggs, President of America First Refining. "The United States has a surplus of light shale oil but a shortage of refining capacity designed to process it. By building this refinery at the Port of Brownsville, we're unlocking a major expansion of American energy production while creating thousands of high-paying jobs and strengthening our domestic supply chain."
"For years, investors believed building a new refinery in the United States was impossible," said Nick Ayers, a former White House official who served as Assistant to the President and incoming Vice Chairman of America First Refining. "What changed was leadership and policy. President Trump's America First energy agenda restored the confidence needed to invest in large-scale American energy infrastructure. This project is a bet on American production, American workers, and the long-term strength of our domestic energy economy."
The Port of Brownsville issued this statement:
“The Port of Brownsville welcomes today’s announcement regarding the America First Refining project, a development that has been more than 12 years in the making. We are pleased to see this long-planned investment moving toward fruition and thank President Donald J. Trump and his administration for their support in advancing opportunities that strengthen America’s energy infrastructure.
“This project represents an exciting step forward for our region, and our Port leadership remains committed to attracting transformative investments that create good-paying jobs and expand economic opportunity for the people of the Rio Grande Valley and the State of Texas.”
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen said:
“The City of Brownsville congratulates the Port of Brownsville on securing the America First Refining project.
“It will bring the first new major oil refinery built in the United States in nearly 50 years to our community. Located at the Port of Brownsville, the refinery will process American light shale oil from the Permian Basin and represents one of the most significant energy infrastructure investments in the country.
“The project includes a 20-year agreement to purchase and process 1.2 billion barrels of U.S. shale oil, valued at approximately $125 billion, while producing up to 50 billion gallons of refined petroleum products valued at roughly $175 billion.
“Once operational, the project is expected to strengthen America’s energy security, support thousands of high-paying jobs, and contribute an estimated $300 billion improvement to the U.S. trade balance. A groundbreaking ceremony is expected in April 2026 at the Port of Brownsville.”
Editor’s Note: For more information about America First Refining, click here.
