The province’s decision to pause its industrial carbon levy at $95 per tonne could hamper investor certainty, “hurt provincial competitiveness in the long run, and kneecap Alberta’s ability to reduce emissions,” Dale Beugin, executive vice-president of the Canadian Climate Institute, said in a statement. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced the pause on Monday, citing U.S. trade threats. (The Logic)

Talking point: The sudden halt raises fresh doubts for companies planning to invest in decarbonization technology like carbon capture and storage. It also sets the stage for a standoff with Ottawa, as the province looks to assert control over the policies that regulate its natural resources. Alberta has forced its heavy-emitting companies to pay a carbon tax since 2007, but federal policies introduced under former prime minister Justin Trudeau will cause that rate to rise sharply, from $95 today to $170 per tonne by 2030. Beugin said in his statement that $5 billion in carbon credits companies have already banked through the carbon tax system are now in question following the freeze.