Companies seek alternatives to pricey natural gas

When an unexpectedly high utility bill comes in the mail, many people go through the roof. Fletcher Steele, on the other hand, went to Congress.

Steele at Pine Hall Brick does have an alternative — saw dust. Still, in his testimony before Congress, Steele asked for the permitting process necessary to convert more equipment from natural gas to sawdust fuel to be drastically streamlined.

Steele said Congress and regulators should take action to encourage the use of coal and nuclear power to generate electricity, allowing more natural gas to be used for manufacturing and home heating.

msnbc