Critics have argued the plant would increase pollution in the narrow valley encompassing Sigurd, Richfield and the surrounding communities. However, the Utah Division of Air Quality has reviewed the plans for the facility and signed off on the project.

The project has been in the works for more than five years and has been involved in a long legal battle since its initial public presentation to area leaders.

Sevier Power recently won a court decision that threw out an appeal by environmentalists, paving the way for the project's eventual development.

Taylor and Clark said the project still has a long way to go before any electricity is generated by the plant. The affirmative vote by the planning and zoning commission now allows the proposal to move on to the Sevier County Commission, which is expected to put it under further scrutiny before taking a vote.

"It is a very divisive issue within the county," said Dick Cumiskey, of the Sevier Citizens for Clean Air and Water. "Before the commissioners can sign off on it, they've got to satisfy not only themselves, but the citizens of the county that the correct decision is being made."

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