Bryan Sees Trump Action as Path to Reopen Refinery

M.A. Dworkin

USVI - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is welcoming recent Presidential Determinations issued under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act as an important federal recognition of the national value of domestic petroleum production, refining, fuel logistics and energy infrastructure, in which the Governor sees as a meaningful boost to ongoing efforts to responsibly restart refinery operations on St. Croix. 

The Determinations recognize domestic petroleum production, refining, logistics, large-scale energy infrastructure and related capabilities as essential to the national defense, energy security, and economic strength of the United States. They also acknowledge that financing risks, permitting delays, infrastructure limitations, and supply chain challenges have weakened the nation’s ability to expand critical energy capacity. 

The Trump Administration findings not only bring to the forefront the possibility of overcoming the past challenges that have affected refinery restart efforts but reinforce Governor Bryan’s long-standing position that the St. Croix refinery is more than a local economic asset. It is a strategic American energy facility with value to the Virgin Islands, Caribbean and the United States. 

“For years, I have said that restarting the refinery on St. Croix is not just a local economic issue. It is a matter of national importance,” said the Governor. “The United States needs stronger, more resilient refining and fuel logistics capacity, and St. Croix can and should be part of that solution.” 

The federal action sends an important signal to investors, federal agencies, and industry partners that domestic refining and energy infrastructure are central to national readiness and economic security.   

“The refinery on St. Croix was once among the most important energy facilities in the Western Hemisphere,” said Governor Bryan. “Its location, deepwater access, storage capacity and role in fuel logistics make it a strategic American asset, especially at a time of global uncertainty, volatile energy markets and supply chain risk.”

Since taking office, Governor Bryan has worked to position St. Croix as part of the national energy solution. His Administration has met with investors, refinery operators, energy developers, and infrastructure partners to advance opportunities tied to refinery restart, fuel storage, marine logistics, and broader industrial development. 

Governor Bryan also has continued advocacy in Washington, D.C., including discussions with the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Energy, members of Congress and other federal stakeholders. He has repeatedly emphasized that St. Croix is an existing American asset capable of supporting energy resilience, supply chain stability, maritime commerce, and defense readiness with the right investment and modernization. 

A responsible restart could bring meaningful benefits to Virgin Islands families and businesses, including jobs, new economic activity, stronger port and logistics operations, and a broader industrial base for St. Croix. 

“A successful refinery restart can help address the cost pressures our residents feel every day,” the Governor said. “Lower fuel and logistics costs can support lower power generation costs, reduce transportation and shipping expenses, and make it easier for businesses to grow. Energy affordability is economic affordability.”

Governor Bryan emphasized that any restart must protect the health, safety and quality of life of St. Croix residents.

“We are clear-eyed about this, the mistakes of the past cannot be repeated. Any future operation must meet modern environmental standards, include strong monitoring and safeguards, and protect the people who live closest to the facility. Economic development and environmental responsibility must move together, or they should not move at all,” the Governor stated. “This is the moment to recognize St. Croix for what it is: a critical American location with the infrastructure, geography and workforce potential to help strengthen national energy security. My Administration remains committed to supporting a refinery restart that is safe, responsible, job creating and beneficial to the people of the Virgin Islands.”