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Française De l’Énergie’s primary business has been capturing methane gas from coal seams and converting it to clean power for industries in the region.

In a string of towns running along a coal seam, the sparkle of small-town drag queens and kings colors a way of life rooted in soot, family and a conservative understanding of the world.

As the name indicates, coal seam fires begin when a layer of coal underneath Earth's crust manages to ignite.

In fact, not a single coal seam has been found in rocks of this vintage anywhere in the world.

An accomplished surfer and marine rescue volunteer who helped rescue people during the flood, she played a key role in the area’s decision to ban coal seam gas extraction.