As historic drought withers the nation's corn crop, the U.S. ethanol industry is pumping up a high-octane defense of a federal mandate that requires use of corn-based fuel.

About 250 industry leaders meeting in Omaha anticipate grim news from drought-stricken cornfields when the U.S. Agriculture Department releases its monthly crop production forecast today.

But siphoning away a requirement designed to reduce both emissions and dependence on foreign oil would be a rash action to a short-term problem, said Lars Herseth of Houghton, S.D., president of the American Coalition for Ethanol.

The organization, which represents more than 200 biorefineries in 29 states, is holding its annual conference at the Omaha Hilton. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a longtime supporter of the ethanol industry, is scheduled to address the group today.

Brian Jennings, executive vice president of the coalition, said the industry is prepared to take the offensive and tell its story of creating jobs and keeping down the price of gasoline at pumps.