After the commission released its order, Internet blogs were abuzz with comments from natural-gas vehicle advocates who expressed disappointment with the commission's decision. On CNG Chat.com, a blog created by natural-gas vehicle owner and advocate John Mitton of Utah County, one commenter said, "As I was awakened this morning by the wind and snow, I couldn't go back to sleep. Was the PSC CNG (compressed natural gas) price increase the death nail in the coffin of the CNG industry in Utah?"

Another commenter said: "If every home in the state of Utah has to pay $2 a month to subsidize my CNG vehicle, then so be it. The rest of my tax dollars are subsidizing someone else's pet projects. CNG is far too inconvenient to run if it is 10 cents less than gasoline."

Though most posts were in protest of the increase, not every one agreed with the criticism of the order.

"Current prices are heavily subsidized by Questar and the taxpayers," one writer said. "I've enjoyed the free lunch, but I don't feel entitled to it. Other people are paying for MY fuel. That's not right."

Salt Lake City resident and natural-gas vehicle owner Lee Shuster, who describes himself as a "concerned citizen advocate for clean air in Utah," told the Deseret News that he supports paying more for compressed natural gas, as long as the price is fair and at least "a little bit less than gasoline."

Even if keeping natural-gas prices lower requires some kind of mandated subsidy, the lower prices would have a positive long-term effect in contributing toward a decrease in pollution from transportation around the valley, he said.

"The subsidy is worth it because of the benefits to society in terms of cleaner air, especially along the Wasatch Front, where we need it," Shuster said.

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E-mail: jlee@desnews.com