Coal mines and fossil fuel power plants could be a thing of the past in New Zealand after the Government passed a law which allows environmentally-damaging projects to be refused.
The amendment to the Resource Management Act closes a loophole which allowed consent for new builds without consideration for the environment.
The Green Party is celebrating the policy with leader James Shaw saying the party has campaigned "long and hard" for change.
In a statement on Friday Shaw said the Greens are "thrilled" .
"This aligns with our net zero carbon ambitions and will ultimately result in a safer planet for future generations.
"In my view, this is one of the most significant policy changes to address climate change that we have done this term."
The law has also been celebrated by the Labour Party with its Minister for the Environment calling it a "significant milestone".
"These changes ensure that the key pieces of legislation protecting our environment support one another," said David Parker.
The changes will come into effect as soon as the Government develops national policy guidelines.
