Reducing dependence on foreign oil supplies for energy and transportation will not only save money for Americans but create job opportunities in a much needed economic slump, says the Department of Energy.

The DOE anticipates that an increase in the production of vehicles running on hydrogen fuel cells will create 675,000 jobs in manufacturing, assembly, fuel production, repair, recycling, construction and dealership jobs over the next 25 years. The figure is based on a DOE study, "Effects of a Transition to a Hydrogen Economy on Employment in the United States," submitted to Congress earlier this week. The study estimates that 89 percent of all new automobiles will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells, and that hydrogen fuel-celled vehicles will total 20 percent of the entire market.

With the nation hunting for ways to cut fossil fuel use, 20 percent of the market does not seem too unreasonable.

The DOE report also presumes that the majority of these jobs will be located in the Midwest, replacing some of the jobs lost as traditional automobile manufacturers have cut back.

Congress is also expected to continue providing incentives for adopting cleaner technology by extending tax credits for hydrogen fuel cells.