The problem with hydrogen is the large amount of energy used to create it. From what I understand it is not a reasonable viable substitute for petroleum.

Our society has developed such a need for petroleum energy. This need or way of life being big box stores, our food demands are not regional, rather imported from distant sources. This process is escalating at such a rapid pace that the high price of fuel is certainly going to impact us pretty hard. We are going to have to find 'another way' but not soon enough. In the interim there will be a high price to pay, and when a remedy to this issue is found it will radically change our way of life, so radical it will in all probability cause some social disorders.

sIx