The American energy sector is springing back into action with new exploration and extraction of natural gas well underway. But "drill, baby drill" isn't much good without "refine, baby, refine," as petroleum in particular has to be converted into something useful before its real value can be achieved: Gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil, and all the the myriads of other materials we get from that black gold.
The problem is, the United States hasn't seen a new petroleum refinery open in over 50 years - until now. President Trump and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum spread the good news on Tuesday.
Another HUGE win by @POTUS for the American people!
— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) March 10, 2026
American Energy Dominance is delivering more jobs, lower costs and a more secure future. https://t.co/rJL7JqeSBH
The president, on Truth Social, writes:
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. 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. 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!
No, we're not tired of winning yet, although a fair question directed at Washington with this news would be "What took so long?"
Read More: California Fuel Prices Poised to Hit New Heights Due to Refinery Losses
Now, not having even one major refinery opening in over 50 years is a disaster. Some state governments have made it nearly impossible to operate a refinery within their borders - yes, I'm looking at you, Gavin Newsom. Refineries are big, expensive, complex facilities, and no oil company or, indeed, anyone or any organization thinking of investing on one of these operations is going to think long and hard about how likely it is that the next Democrat in office will shut it all down.
Now, though, we have a shiny new refinery in Brownsville, Texas - Texas being a pretty energy-friendly state. That refinery will not only produce (presumably) gasoline, diesel, and all the other fuels and byproducts that keep our economy humming, but will also provide lots and lots of skilled, high-paying jobs for the area.
No, we're not tired of winning yet - but when it comes to refineries, this better be the first of many. Speaking of which: Mr. President, here in the Great Land, we're sitting on an ocean of oil and paying $3.50 a gallon for gas and almost $4 for diesel. Can we get some more refineries up here? Pretty please?
Editor’s Note: Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and bold policies, America’s economy is back on track.
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