Trump declared a “massive win” as Indian company Reliance Industries plans to invest in a proposed oil refinery in Brownsville, Texas.
Using his platform Truth Social, Trump announced the “FIRST new U.S. Oil Refinery in 50 YEARS” in Brownsville. While the refinery’s plans date back a decade, Trump aims to claim credit if it materializes.
The announcement comes as the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran increases energy prices. Local environmentalists criticized the project, calling it a “zombie” that would pollute the region.
“Thank you to our partners in India, and their largest privately held Energy Company, Reliance, for this tremendous Investment,” Trump stated. “This is what AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE looks like. AMERICA FIRST, ALWAYS!”
The project began with Jupiter Brownsville LLC, which secured state permits in 2021. In January 2024, Houston-based Element Fuels took over, with America First Refining assuming control in December 2025.
Port of Brownsville officials quickly organized a press conference to discuss the deal. Port director William Dietrich said construction on the “shovel-ready” project would begin soon.
Environmentalists protested outside, opposing the refinery due to its potential to release toxins, as highlighted by the South Texas Environmental Justice Network.
The White House did not comment on the development.
Long-Standing Proposal Could Move Forward
The refinery proposal has a long history, as does local opposition.
Jupiter Brownsville LLC applied for permits from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in 2017. Local groups, including environmentalists and fishers, filed protests. Permits were issued in 2021 with emission reduction requirements.
Developers received three construction deadline extensions. On February 26, TCEQ staff extended America First Refining’s construction deadline to October 19, 2027.
If construction doesn’t start by then, “Permit Number 147681 shall be automatically void,” a TCEQ official noted.
Reliance Industries and America First Refining did not respond to Inside Climate News queries.
Charles McConnell, a former assistant energy secretary, mentioned the Texas Gulf Coast’s crucial role in oil refining. Companies like Reliance are re-evaluating investments due to Middle Eastern conflicts.
A Brownsville refinery would reduce Reliance’s dependency on unstable regions, McConnell said, though it’s uncertain if it will be built. He noted that major players make the project more plausible.
Trump’s Truth Social post described the refinery as a “$300 billion deal,” calling it “THE BIGGEST IN U.S. HISTORY.”
Energy expert Michael Webber labeled these figures “disinformation,” citing previous estimates at $3 to $4 billion.
America First Refining’s press release claimed the deal would “improve” the U.S. trade imbalance by $300 billion.
Environmental Debate Over Refinery Resumes
The refinery site spans 240 acres at Port of Brownsville, with plans to process 160,000 barrels of Permian Basin shale oil daily, according to the port’s press release. It is expected to create 500 jobs, using hydrogen and clean-fuel systems to reduce emissions.
The South Texas Environmental Justice Network called a “clean” oil refinery an oxymoron and raised concerns about water usage.
“Port of Brownsville demonstrates poor foresight, pushing Rio Grande Valley towards a water shortage catastrophe,” the group stated, referencing a report on Corpus Christi’s water issues.
A major liquefied natural gas terminal is also planned at Port of Brownsville. With the SpaceX launch site miles away, environmentalists warn these projects threaten Rio Grande delta’s wetlands.
“The refinery, adjacent to the shrimp basin, will severely impact the Valley’s shrimping and nature tourism,” they said.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org