The alternative to using fossil fuels to produce hydrogen is renewable sources such as solar. So I think the problem with that article is that they're making it sound like the oil companies are preventing the development of cleaner energy. They're not, exactly, they're just filling a void. But by doing so, they're removing some incentive for the development of renewable sources. Not that they should be blamed for acting in their self-interest, but the DOE doesn't call for a single ounce of hydrogen to come from sun or wind sources. They should be mandating development.