United States refining capacity

Why have no U.S. refineries been built in 50 years? Certainly, it's not Trump's fault. The short answer is extremists attached to the Democrat Party. At least, that's how I interpreted the co-pilot answer.

Co-pilot (AI) "The combination of STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS, high capital costs, uncertain future demand, and federal policies FAVORING REDUCED PETROLEUM USE has effectively halted the construction of new major oil refineries in the U.S. for nearly five decades. Existing refineries continue to be upgraded to meet demand, but new greenfield projects remain economically and politically challenging."

 
Between 2000- 2022, "the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into 37 settlements covering 112 refineries across 32 states with companies that control more than 95% of total U.S. refining capacity, according to a database of EPA enforcement actions. ' https://www.insights-global.com/the-us-hasnt-built-a-major-oil-refinery-in-nearly-50-years-heres-why/?

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/25/iran-war-gas-prices-epa-waiver.html?

So, the next time a Democrat complains about the price of gasoline, remind her of all those clean air regs and the green new deal.