[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 GOLDEN TRIANGLE ENERGY COALITION PLANT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2001

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the farmers-
members of the Golden Triangle Energy Cooperative on the imminent 
success of the new ethanol plant in Craig, Missouri. The new plant will 
add value to members' agricultural commodities through efficient 
processing and bring renewed economic opportunity to Northwest 
Missouri. I am honored to have the Golden Triangle Energy Cooperative 
in my district.
  On Saturday, February 17, 2001, we will celebrate the grand opening 
of the Golden Triangle Energy Coalition Plant. This plant will process 
6 million bushels of corn each year, producing 15 million gallons of 
ethanol. This plant will not only benefit farmers, but also the 
environment and our consumers across the nation.
  I am pleased that farmers in Northwest Missouri are making a positive 
impact on their rural community by expanding value-added markets, such 
as ethanol. In the past 10 years, more than 20 farmer-owned 
cooperatives were constructed nationwide. Today farmer-owned ethanol 
production facilities are responsible for one third of all U.S. ethanol 
production.
  Farmers in Northwest Missouri are positioned to meet the nation's 
ethanol needs. Ethanol produced in Craig, Missouri will be sold across 
the country as a high-octane fuel bringing improved automobile 
performance to drivers while reducing air pollution. It is a clean-
burning, renewable, domestically produced product. The new plant in 
Craig will create jobs and provide value-added markets to bolster 
agriculture and our rural economy.
  Again, I congratulate and commend the farmer-owners of the Golden 
Triangle Coalition on the opening of the nation's newest ethanol plant. 
I look forward to working with them in the future.

                          ____________________