People are willing to pay more for power if the increase goes for steps to improve air quality, said Sarah Wright, executive director of the volunteer citizens group Utah Clean Energy. She added that people might be more active and speak out about construction and consumption if they had a voice in those decisions.

"People should be asked what they want, not told what they want by corporate planners deciding for them in a board meeting," she said.

Steve Ivey, representing a group of residents in Sevier County who are trying to stop a new coal-powered plant from being built there, asked the panel who is responsible for the clean water and public health of the citizens.

"I ask because I can't find out," he said. "County commissioners and government agencies are tending to the needs of the plant, but no one is tending to the air quality and the health of the residents," he said.

Dianne Nielsen, former director of the state Department of Environmental Quality and now an advisor to Gov. Jon Huntsman, said she would have immediately raised her hand in answer to his question, had she remained in her previous position. She noted, however, that those concerns are ultimately made at the county level and county residents must group together and make sure they are addressed there.

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E-mail: jthalman@desnews.com