Millions for hydrogen; Automakers join DOE's investment in less polluting technology.(News)

Byline: Jim Johnson

Hundreds of millions of dollars are being pumped into new hydrogen energy research through a new program that will link public and private forces.

The U.S. Department of Energy is spending $350 million across the nation to fund projects that will include private companies, those in academia and the agency's own national laboratories.

The goal is to help eventually create a so-called "hydrogen economy'' that would both cut down on the amount of pollution being created and lessen the nation's dependence on foreign oil.