The Greens are calling for an end to coal mining in the lead up to the state election, but Stephen Lawrence and Troy Grant have cited negative impacts if the scheme is implemented.
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Dubbo Greens candidate Matt Parmeter said the future was away from coal and towards renewable energy.
"Over 70 per cent of energy is generated from coal. We want to transition away from coal and university studies have shown that we can have 100 per cent renewable energy," Mr Parmeter said.
"We can walk away from coal in 15 to 20 years."
However, Dubbo Country Labor candidate Stephen Lawrence said unless renewable energy was increased in increments there would be high job losses.
"If we were to jump into these radical ideas you'll see huge job losses, huge electricity bills and it's just not responsible," Mr Lawrence said.
Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said the Greens were focused on an either/or but using 100 per cent renewable energy would lead to "astronomical power prices" and would threaten reliability.
He said while there was a place for renewables, they were to complement fossil fuels and shouldn't be the sole source of energy.
Mr Parmeter was confident an investment in renewable energy would create jobs in inland NSW.
"The greens are very supportive of renewable energy. We think there'll be a lot of jobs and investment in inland NSW as we move away from coal."
He said the Nyngan solar plant generated 300 jobs for the area and additional plants would do the same.
The Greens were focused on renewable energy due to the environmental impact of the increase levels of carbon.
"We're gradually cooking the planet and we know where this comes from- it comes from fossil fuels," Mr Parmeter said.
But Mr Grant said while efforts to clean up the industry were always welcome, the country was underpinned by our current coal based generation.
"I acknowledge that carbon does have an impact on the climate. However, the levels of the impact, especially in Australia are minimal compared to countries such as America and China. Our contribution in Australia is grossly overrated."
Labor was advocating to expand the Renewable Energy Target to ensure that 20 per cent of Australia's electricity comes from renewable resources by 2020.
"The reality that faces our world is that all fossil fuel is finite so regardless of any individuals view on climate change we're going to have to grapple with this vision. It's a complex and difficult area," Mr Lawrence said.
He said there was no easy or simple policy that could be introduced and labelled the Greens idea as "irresponsible".
"Radical policy is not going to be accepted by the community," Mr Lawrence said.
Mr Parmeter said Dubbo had already shown support for solar energy.
"Thirty per cent of homes in Dubbo have solar panels on their roofs. The postcode has the highest solar energy homes in the state and that's been going for the last six years or so. We want this trend to accelerate."
Mr Parmeter said he supported more incentives to encourage individuals to embrace renewable energy and policy setting for commercial businesses.
