BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., says he supports economic opportunity but also wants careful planning and public accountability for any big industrial project.
In a statement issued on re-election campaign literature, Treviño said he was in favor of a proposed refinery project at the Port of Brownsville but says the community must be mindful of its environmental impact.
A $3.5 billion hydrogen-powered refinery has been proposed by America First Refining. It was first announced by President Trump, who said it would likely improve the U.S. trade balance by $300 billion. Trump said it will be the first new oil refinery in the United States for 50 years.
“America is returning to really energy dominance,” Trump said, on his social media platform. “Today I am proud to announce that America First Refining is opening the first new U.S. oil refinery in 50 years in Brownsville, Texas. This is a historic $300 billion deal - the biggest in U.S. history. This is a massive win for American workers, energy, and the great people of South Texas.”
Treviño’s opponent in the Democratic Party runoff election for Cameron County Judge is the chairman of Brownsville Navigation District, Steve Guerra. Guerra says he backs construction of the oil refinery.
“Real leadership delivering real results at the Port of Brownsville,” Guerra said, whenTrump announced an oil refinery project. “Like I have said before, many talk about economic development, others may try to take credit for it, but the team I have led at the Port has delivered it. These aren’t just promises, these are results. This is why I’m running to be your next Cameron County Judge and with your vote and support, we will continue to deliver.”
Asked at a press conference if the residents of South Padre Island should be worried about an oil refinery being built at the Port of Brownsville, Guerra said: “no.”
In his statement, Judge Treviño spoke about the potential for economic opportunity an oil refinery brings. But he also called for transparency, environmental protection, and responsible planning. His press release said the development “could bring significant economic activity and jobs to South Texas,” but cautioned that “the community must take time to fully understand the scale and implications of the project.”
Treviño said:
“I took my time to digest this before making a statement, because we need to pause for a moment and truly analyze what may be about to happen in Cameron County.
“Let me be clear. I am in favor of this. This could be a good thing for Cameron County and could bring significant investment and opportunity to our region.
“If developments like this move forward as expected, Cameron County is on the path to becoming a major metropolitan area, much like Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio. That means more opportunity, but it also means more people, higher home values, more demand on infrastructure, and greater pressure on housing and property taxes.”
Treviño said environmental protection must remain a priority as the project moves forward.
“We must also be mindful of the environmental impact that a project of this scale could have on our region,” he said. “We must remain vigilant in protecting our land, our air, and our water, and ensure our community is safeguarded from any potential hazards.”
Treviño also raised concerns about transparency surrounding the project’s announcement, noting that port officials have indicated the refinery has been under discussion for years.
“If this project has truly been in the works for many years, it is fair for the citizens of Cameron County to ask why the community is only now hearing about it in such a sudden way,” Treviño said. “Projects of this magnitude do not happen overnight. Our residents deserve to be informed and engaged in conversations that will shape the future of our region.”
Treviño said there are inconsistencies in how the scale of the project is being marketed. “Numbers shift from hundred of billions to billions. People deserve clear and honest answers,” he said.
The county judge also made clear he does not support offering tax incentives for the project.
“Let me be clear on one more thing: I will not support tax incentives for this project. Since this project has been announced and is supposedly coming to the Port of Brownsville and we are no longer competing with any other area for this project; it should stand on its own, without asking taxpayers to subsidize it.”
Treviño said progress of this scale is the result of years of work by many leaders across the region.
“This is also not the work of any one person. Progress of this magnitude is always the result of years of effort by many, from local leaders and institutions to state and federal partners. No single individual should claim credit for a project of this size,” Treviño said, in a possible reference to Guerra.
Treviño added: “As we look ahead, we must reflect on both the promise and the responsibility that comes with this opportunity. This could be a historic moment for Cameron County, but only if we prepare responsibly, communicate transparently, and move forward together as a community.”
