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First U.S. Refinery in 50 Years Breaks Ground in Texas

4/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Brownsville, Texas refinery project marks the first U.S. refinery construction in more than 50 years.
Fluor Corporation will perform front-end engineering and design for America First Refining's facility.
The project aims to process more than 60 million barrels of domestic crude annually into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the project as a significant U.S. win and noted Reliance Industries' investment.

History

Historical Context

The 1976 U.S. oil crisis prompted the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, aimed at reducing foreign oil dependence. This led to a halt in new refinery construction until 2014, when the Dakota Prairie Refinery opened. The upcoming Brownsville refinery, the first in over 50 years, plans to process 60 million barrels of domestic crude annually, reflecting a renewed focus on domestic energy production.

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Story summary

A Brownsville, Texas refinery project marks the first U.S. refinery construction in more than 50 years.
Fluor Corporation will perform front-end engineering and design for America First Refining's facility.
The project aims to process more than 60 million barrels of domestic crude annually into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the project as a significant U.S. win and noted Reliance Industries' investment.

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