The European Parliament voted in favor on Wednesday of accepting the proposal by the European Commission (EC) to classify new natural gas and nuclear power projects as “green.”

Methane Emissions

The classification would allow for subsidies and low-cost loans for natural gas and nuclear projects deemed environmentally sustainable.

“This vote is important recognition of our pragmatic and realistic approach in helping many member states on their transition path towards climate neutrality,” the EC said in a statement. 

Since the regulations were first proposed in 2020, the final draft has been delayed several times because of disputes among European Union (EU) member countries. Both natural gas and nuclear are needed for the EU to reach 2050 net zero ambitions, EU climate policy chief...