The Federal Opposition leader is being irresponsible in his claims that the OneSteel plant in Whyalla will close should a price on carbon pollution be introduced, the Greens said today.

Suggestions by the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chamber of Minerals and Energy that nuclear power should be part of WA's energy supply by 2031 are unrealistic and outdated, the Australian Greens say.

"Those industry groups calling for nuclear power in their submissions this week to the WA Government's Strategic Energy Initiative are failing to note the vast potential for sustainable economic prosperity in Western Australia based on renewable energy sources," Greens Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam said.

Greens Deputy Leader, Christine Milne says a major opportunity now rests with Tasmania's new government in securing new employment opportunities following news of Burnie's soon to close paper mill.

"The announcement that the mill will close in July will at least provide certainty as to where the 165 workers stand. Months of enduring the possible threat of unemployment would have certainly taken it's toll on many North West families.

"The challenge now is to connect an available skills base to smart new industries that are both suitable for the region and immune to the boom and bust catastrophes that have plagued the North West.