Methane is the primary component of natural gas; it is created from the decomposition
of organic matter. Coal-bed methane gas is produced during coalification, the
natural process that transforms plant material into coal.
Coal-bed methane can accumulate in underground coal mines and cause explosions.
For this reason, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration requires
coal mines to exhaust coal-bed methane from mines if concentrations of the gas
reach certain levels. For a more complete explanation, go to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s FAQ.