It was with this somber memorial in mind that the Renewable Fuels Association recognized the grand opening celebration at Highwater Ethanol in Lamberton, MN. Highwater Ethanol will utilize approximately 20 million bushels of Minnesota-grown corn to produce 55 million gallons of ethanol and nearly 180,000 tons of livestock feed, known as distillers grains.

In prepared remarks for the celebration, the RFA recognizes the significance of ethanol production in our national energy security strategy and celebrates the continued growth and innovation of America's ethanol industry. The following reamrks were made at the event:

"On behalf of the Renewable Fuels Association - representing the U.S. ethanol industry - we congratulate Brian Kletscher and all the team at Highwater Ethanol.

"This September 11th is the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America. As with every American old enough to remember those atrocities, we will never forget where we were and what we were doing on that tragic day.

"Eight years ago, Americans resolved that we would do whatever it takes to protect our country from those who would destroy our way of life. But, as the years have passed, our memories have dimmed, and our resolve has diminished.

"Two statistics say it all: In 2001, the United States imported 4.3 billion barrels of petroleum, including 2 bilion from the OPEC nations. Last year, we imported 4.7 billion barrels, including 2.2 billion from the OPEC nations. Eight years after 9/11, we are just as dependent on imported oil, including oil that we buy from our sworn enemies.

"That is one more reason why the grand opening of the Highwater Ethanol plant is great news for our national security, as well as great news for the farmers in Southwest Minnesota; great news for the construction workers who built this plant; great news for the people who are working here; great news for the investors who will see their seed money grow into a rich harvest for themselves and the entire community; and great news for every consumer who wants clean-burning, American-made, renewable fuels.

"While so many in the media are busy writing obituaries for the American ethanol industry, you are proving that those death notices are dead wrong.

"This facility will process some 20 million bushels of local corn into 55 million gallons of fuel grade ethanol every year. On top of that, you'll be producing 178,000 tons of distiller's grains for animal feed.

"All across this country, the ethanol industry is investing, innovating and growing. Last year, in the midst of a recession, we produced 9 billion gallons of ethanol. This year - still in the midst of a recession - we're on the road to produce more than 10.5 billion gallons.

"But we still have a big job to do. America still imports about 70 percent of our oil at a cost of about $475 billion a year.

"That is very good news for some very bad actors - the government of Iran, Colonel Qadaffi, and Hugo Chavez. We've got to take their hands out of our pockets and the smiles off of their faces.

"We've got to stop depending on unfriendly governments in unstable parts of the world to keep our cars, our trucks, and our entire economy running.

"And I'm tempted to say, we've got to do it - come hell or high water.

"Here at Highwater Ethanol, you are producing the clean, green, renewable American energy that is helping make us independent of those who would do us harm, today on September 11th and every day of the year.

"That is well worth celebrating. "

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