Vice President JD Vance announced in Tyler, Texas, that the Trump administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to expand the Delek refinery, a move he said will boost fuel output, lower energy costs, and create hundreds of new jobs in Smith County.
"I'm pleased to announce that the Trump Administration, working with the refinery at Delek, has used the Defense Production Act and we are going to expand the refinery right here in Tyler," Vance said.
The vice president framed the expansion as part of President Trump's broader push to increase domestic refining capacity. "As you know, Donald J. Trump, our great president, has called... That will make him very happy, ladies and gentlemen. But he's called on refineries across our country to find ways to boost production and bring energy prices down for American families."
What the Expansion Means
Vance said the expansion will add millions of gallons of both commercial-grade and military-spec fuel to the refinery's existing output. "We want millions of gallons of commercial grade and military spec fuel to come out of this refinery in addition to what it's already producing," he said.
He told the audience the benefits would be felt directly by families. "What that means for you and your families is lower costs to fly from one place to another. It means lower costs to drive your car into work every single day. It means a more reliable energy supply."
The vice president also tied the expansion to national security and job creation. "But also a stronger national defense and it will also mean hundreds of good paying new jobs just like Austin's right here in Smith County."
Vance opened his remarks by praising the oil and gas industry's role in the region. "Just as we believe there's great dignity and great promise in the oil and gas industry here in Texas."
The announcement came during a visit to East Texas, where the Delek refinery has been a significant employer. The use of the Defense Production Act marks a direct federal intervention to expand refining capacity, a step the administration says is necessary to address energy costs and supply reliability.
