Exxon refinery expansion in Texas could lead to more capacity for light crude from shale wells

Reuters:

Exxon Mobil Corp is nearing final approval of a major expansion to its Beaumont, Texas, refinery that could make it the largest crude processing plant in the United States, according to three sources familiar with the company’s deliberations.

An expansion has been under consideration since at least 2014. A go-ahead would signal Exxon’s confidence in U.S. shale production and in global demand for gasoline and other fuels.

Exxon continues to evaluate increasing its North American light crude refining, but has not made any decisions, spokeswoman Sarah Nordin said on Wednesday. “The Beaumont refinery is being considered as part of that evaluation,” she said.
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A new expansion will take advantage of the growth in U.S. shale production, which is expected to about double the nation’s oil output to more than 11 million bpd later this year, from 5.6 million bpd in 2011, according to the EIA.
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The project, if approved, would create up to 1,850 construction jobs and between 40 and 60 permanent jobs upon completion, Nordin said.
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I think the ability to refine the light crude could enhance US national security and lessen the need to import heavy crude.   It would be a big step toward energy independence.