Statements by Agriculture Minister David Littleproud that new limits will be placed on carbon farming projects have caused some developers to immediately suspend planned investments.
The three Liberal-led states have received more than $1.6 billion through energy and emissions reduction bilateral agreements, but the federal government has so far failed to complete similar deals with Labor jurisdictions.
The Australian Conservation Foundation and the Australia Institute have urged the Auditor-General to audit ERF governance arrangements, in line with a Climate Change Authority recommendation.
A federal government proposal to introduce special Safeguard carbon credits could trigger up to a $2 billion collapse in demand for standard credits over the years to 2030, warns carbon market consultancy Reputex.
A proposed new carbon exchange could allow steel, aluminium and clean energy producers to demonstrate the climate credentials of their products to export markets, according to the Clean Energy Regulator.
The large and small-scale renewable energy schemes and the ERF performed well in 2020, and all signs point to more good results this year, according to the Clean Energy Regulator.
At a time when the National Party is seeking a net-zero exemption for agriculture, one of Australia's largest pastoral companies has been issued with carbon credits worth close to $1 million.