New Refinery at Port of Brownsville, First on the U.S. Gulf Coast in Nearly 50 Years

A major new energy investment has been announced at the Port of Brownsville, marking what could become the first oil refinery built on the U.S. Gulf Coast in nearly five decades. The project, led by America First Refining, further strengthens South Texas as a strategic hub for energy production and logistics.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the port’s administrative offices after the project was referenced on March 10, 2026, by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media.

The refinery is planned on more than 240 acres within the port and is designed to process 100% U.S.-sourced shale oil. According to project details, the facility will incorporate hydrogen-powered systems and advanced refining technologies aimed at producing ultra-low-carbon fuels.

The development is expected to generate around 500 permanent direct jobs, with estimated annual salaries between US$80,000 and US$100,000, in addition to thousands of indirect jobs related to construction, logistics, and long-term industrial operations. Regional leaders have described the refinery as one of the most significant energy investments announced in South Texas in recent years.

Esteban “Steve” Guerra, Chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District, noted that the selection of the port reflects the region’s strong industrial and logistics capabilities. The port’s available industrial land, workforce base, and operational infrastructure were highlighted as key advantages behind the project.

William Dietrich, Director and CEO of the Port of Brownsville, emphasized that the refinery will reinforce the port’s role as a strategic energy logistics center in the United States, supported by its deepwater channel access, dock and rail connectivity, cargo-handling capacity, and Foreign Trade Zone advantages.

According to the developer, the refinery will incorporate hydrogen-based technologies and cleaner fuel systems designed to reduce emissions and meet — or potentially exceed — federal and state environmental standards. The company is currently working with federal, state, and local agencies to secure the required environmental permits.

The Port of Brownsville also highlighted its experience managing complex federal review processes for large-scale energy infrastructure projects. Both the port and the developer emphasized that protection of coastal ecosystems, waterways, and community health will remain a priority throughout the permitting and construction phases.

While the announcement has drawn national attention, some industry analysts note that the project’s scale, economics, and permitting pathway will continue to be evaluated as the development process advances.

Developments of this scale reinforce the growing role of the Rio South Texas Region as a strategic platform for energy investment, industrial growth, and global supply chain connectivity.

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With direct access to the U.S. market, immediate connectivity to Mexico’s manufacturing base, world-class logistics infrastructure, and a dynamic binational workforce, the region provides companies with the strategic advantages needed to scale operations, strengthen supply chains, and unlock new markets.

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Rio South Texas Region: One Region, Two Countries, One Future.