We Need More Refineries— Governor Phil Bryant on America First Energy

Former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant talks about why refining capacity is so important for America’s energy future. He believes that practical energy policies are key to lowering costs for working families. Drawing on his time as governor, his leadership with the Southern States Energy Board, and his current work at the America First Policy Institute, Bryant explains that refining is not just an industrial issue. Instead, it directly affects the price of gasoline, electricity, transportation, and many everyday products. He points out that most people only think about refineries when they fill up their cars, but refining capacity is actually a crucial part of the country’s energy supply chain.

Bryant says that today’s refineries use advanced technology to turn crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, motor oil, and other materials that keep daily life running. He challenges the old idea that refineries are dirty and outdated, instead highlighting their modern safety standards and their importance to the economy. He also explains the difference between heavy crude and light sweet crude, noting that not all refineries can process every type of oil. This difference helps explain why the U.S. still imports some types of crude oil while exporting others, and why building new refineries is important as America’s energy production changes.

A big part of the interview focuses on California, which Bryant sees as a warning for the rest of the country. He says that strict environmental rules, high taxes, and heavy regulations have caused refineries to close, even though people still need energy. As a result, Californians pay some of the highest fuel prices in the country. Bryant believes this approach hurts working people, raises costs for everyone, and moves refining to other places without lowering demand. He warns that if other states follow California’s example, it could make things harder for middle class families and reduce America’s energy independence.

Bryant also talks about a better way forward by expanding refining capacity and making regulations more business-friendly. He mentions the planned America First refinery in Brownsville, Texas, as an example of how the Trump administration is supporting new energy projects. This new refinery will be able to process the light sweet crude oil now being produced in large amounts through fracking, so more of it can be refined in the U.S. instead of being sent overseas. Bryant also says that governors and state leaders should help by making it easier for businesses to invest, speeding up permits, supporting job training, and improving existing refineries instead of shutting them down.

Throughout the conversation, Bryant ties energy policy to econThroughout the interview, Bryant connects energy policy to economic growth, education, and long-term competitiveness. He talks about how Mississippi has worked to combine affordable energy with job training and education reform, saying that low energy costs and a skilled workforce help attract big investments. For Bryant, refining capacity is about more than just making fuel. It means more jobs, stronger industry, national strength, and keeping a good quality of life. By sharing policy details and his own experience, Bryant explains why he believes expanding refining capacity is key to economic opportunity and bringing practical energy policies back to the U.S.