LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – U.S. Rep. Hery Cuellar issued a statement on his X account regarding the new oil refinery set to be built at the Port of Brownsville.
“As the lead Democrat to vote to lift the ban on United States oil exports in 2015, I’m pleased that the first major oil refinery built in the U.S. in nearly 50 years is coming to the Port of Brownsville. This investment will increase domestic energy security while supporting thousands of good-paying jobs in South Texas. Adding refining capacity here at home helps our workers, reinforces supply chains, and delivers for the economy. The project is expected to process up to 1.2 billion barrels of U.S. light shale oil from the Permian Basin in West Texas, improving the U.S. trade balance by an estimated $300 billion. I’ll continue advocating for commonsense energy policies that enhance national security and create economic opportunity in South Texas.”
According to the Port of Brownsville, which held a press conference to announce the refinery on March 11, the America First Refining project will be the first new U.S. Gulf Coast oil refinery in nearly 50 years. The project announcement was first shared by President Donald J. Trump on March 10 on social media.
The proposed refinery would span more than 240 acres inside the port and run entirely on U.S.-sourced shale oil. America First Refining says it will use advanced, hydrogen-driven technology to produce ultra‑low‑carbon fuels. The company estimates the project will add about 500 full-time jobs, with annual pay projected between $80,000 and $100,000, plus thousands of additional positions tied to construction, transportation and ongoing support. Port officials say work on the effort has been in progress for more than a decade, calling it one of the largest industrial investments in South Texas history.
Port Director and CEO William Dietrich issued multiple statements about moving forward with the project and how meaningful it is for South Texas.
“This project strengthens the Port of Brownsville as a critical U.S. energy logistics hub and elevates the entire Rio Grande Valley on the national and international stage. We are proud to support America First Refining and to build stronger foundations for the future of this region,” Dietrich said.
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