Switzerland's lower house of parliament on Thursday backed an initiative to lift a ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants, clearing the way for the government plan to proceed.
The National Council approval follows a backing from the upper house of parliament or Council of States and the federal government.
The Greens have announced a referendum to oppose to the move.
The decision has no immediate consequences, as there are currently no plans to construct new nuclear plants in the country.
A popular initiative, which has the backing of business associations, has supported the construction of new nuclear power plants. The government rejected that as it would require a change to the constitution.
It has instead made a counterproposal to lift the current ban on new construction.
Switzerland passed a ban in 2017 on the construction of new nuclear power plants following the Fukushima disaster in 2011. The existing four reactors are allowed to continue to operate as long as they are safe.
