REfineries not allowed to build new ones.
I don’t know if it is true, but I heard recently that while new refineries are not being built, existing refineries have been expanded in size, and thus in capacity.
That is true. Unfortunately, the refineries we have are very old and there is only so much that maintenance can accomplish (thus our ever increasing importation of refined products).
To the extent that domestic refining capacity declines..., so does our security and balance of trade (for petroleum products). A day is coming (in not too many years) when first Mexico and then Canada will restrict their exports of energy in order to provide ensure their domestic needs. Obviously, this will leave us ever more dependent upon less stable countries for our energy needs!