Two Committees of the EU Parliament oppose green label for nuclear and gas

The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee and the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee of the European Parliament have adopted an objection to the European Commission’s proposal to include specific nuclear and gas activities in the list of environmentally sustainable economic activities covered by the EU Taxonomy. If an absolute majority of members of the Parliament objects to the proposal, the Commission will have to withdraw or amend it.  

In February 2022, the Commission presented a Taxonomy Complementary Climate Delegated Act, which adds certain gas and nuclear activities to the EU Taxonomy as they are said to contribute to the regional bloc's climate and environmental objectives. Some gas and nuclear activities could be added as transitional activities to those already covered by the taxonomy, provided they contribute to the transition to climate neutrality; nuclear activities are required to fulfil nuclear and environmental safety requirements (if they use the best-available existing technologies such as Generation III+ or advanced technologies with closed fuel cycle such as Generation IV)) and gas should meet GHG emission thresholds and contribute to the transition from coal to renewables.

The Parliament and Council have until 11 July 2022 to decide whether to veto the Commission’s proposal.