The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Sept. 8, edition that the Alberta government should lift its pause on renewable energy development approvals because they threaten thousands of jobs and could stifle billions of dollars in investment in the province, according to hundreds of letters from individuals, companies, municipalities, indigenous communities and industry groups. The Globe's Emma Graney writes that the backlash paints a picture of overwhelming frustration in the renewables sector in the wake of the United Conservative government's order last month that the Alberta Utilities Commission pause application approvals for new wind, solar, geothermal and biomass projects. The move drew the ire of developers and investors who have questioned the stated reasons. No industry groups nor companies affected by the freeze on Alberta's multibillion-dollar industry were consulted before the announcement. The government gave the AUC until the end of March to review the issues. However, the commission further shook industry confidence Wednesday when it announced a swath of additional information requirements for new renewable energy project applications, even before starting its inquiry.