Aside from its unpleasant odor, the toxic gas-a natural byproduct of organic and inorganic wastes-can corrode metal.

FORBES: Germ Warfare

Preventing leaks also cuts back on other air pollutants associated with gas production and use, including such volatile organic compounds as ethane and butane.

WSJ: Is Natural Gas the Road to a Clean Energy Future?

The brothers power their farm and cheese factory using an anaerobic digestion system, which turns organic waste into fuel, and cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions.

WHITEHOUSE: Council on Environmental Quality Blog

The Great Plains in middle America were, millions of years ago, great inland seas where organic matter deposited eons ago has matured into valuable oil and gas pools today.

FORBES: Why Shale Worked First In North America

It develops anaerobic digesters that convert organic waste into biogas used to generate electricity, heat, natural gas and motor vehicle fuel (CNG). quasar already operates eight facilities in Ohio, and several more are in process in the Buckeye State and elsewhere.

FORBES: The Smart Business of Advanced Energy

Poor water circulation meant that the organic material was covered before it could decompose, and it was eventually transformed into oil and natural gas.

FORBES: Going deep

The council said two companies were applying to Mendip district council for permission to test drill for the gas, which is found in shale formed from deposits of mud, silt, clay and organic matter.

FORBES: Not a Good Argument Against Fracking