Melinda Melo, a member of South Texas Environmental Justice Network, holds up a sign today in protest of the new America First Refining oil refinery outside the news conference building at the Port of Brownsville. Mariajose Garza/THE RIDER
In a news conference earlier today, Port of Brownsville officials said the first new oil refinery in almost 50 years is coming to the area and will bring hundreds of jobs to the region and support economic development.
“[The America First Refining oil refinery] will solidify our region as a hub for energy logistics and industrial growth in South Texas,” said William Dietrich, Port director and CEO.
Dietrich said the refinery is expected to create 500 direct jobs, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $100,000.
Mariajose Garza/THE RIDER
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday via Truth Social, the $300-billion refinery is an investment by a privately held energy company in India called Reliance Industries.
The project will be powered by hydrogen and produce 100% American shale oil, according to Dietrich.
Esteban Guerra, chairman of the Port of Brownsville Board of Commissioners, spoke during the conference about the environmental regulations of the project, stating America First Refining and the port are working closely with state, federal and local regulatory agencies to secure necessary environmental approvals.
“We remain firmly committed to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship,” Guerra said.
He added the port takes into consideration the environmental well-being of local beaches and residents. However, three members of South Texas Environmental Justice Network were protesting the project outside the building where the news conference was held.
The Rider spoke to Bekah Hinojosa, co-founder of STX Environmental Justice Network, who said the project would negatively impact the environment and release toxic emissions into the water and air.
“It’s a terrible investment,” Hinojosa said. “We urge all elected officials to distance themselves from this oil refinery that is Trump’s pet project.”
The new oil refinery has been in development for 12 years prior to the announcement, according to Dietrich.
Port officials said they are aiming to hold the project’s groundbreaking in April. The oil refinery will be located on the innerport south side of the channel, taking up 240 acres of port property.
No time frame as to when the project will be completed was announced.
Mariajose Garza/THE RIDER
