Italy is set to postpone the permanent shutdown of its coal-fired power plants to 2038, 13 years earlier than planned, according to a bill passed by the lower house of parliament. The decision still requires approval from the Senate. The co-ruling League party, which pushed for the postponement, argued that it was "right and responsible" to reconsider abandoning coal in light of the current international energy crisis. The centre-left opposition and environmental groups criticised the decision, calling it a "dangerous u-turn" for the fight against climate change and health of citizens.