MEPs object to including gas, nuclear in green investment
European lawmakers from the environment and economy committees objected yesterday to including fossil gas and nuclear in the EU’s list of sustainable activities, in a blow to the bloc’s executive arm.
The European Commission earlier this year proposed including nuclear energy and natural gas in its plans for building a climate-friendly future, dividing member countries and drawing outcry from environmentalists as “greenwashing.”
But MEP’s from the two committees adopted an objection to the proposal, with 76 votes to 62 votes and 4 abstentions.
The resolution will now be examined by the whole EU Parliament next month. The Commission will need to withdraw or amend its regulation if an absolute majority of lawmakers oppose it.
The green labeling system from the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, defines what qualifies as an investment in sustainable energy. Under certain conditions, gas and nuclear energy could be part of the mix, making it easier for private investors to inject money into both.
“MEPs recognize the role of nuclear and fossil gas in guaranteeing stable energy supply during the transition to a sustainable economy,” the Parliament said.
