Metgasco is under fire for offering to send staff members into local schools.

The coal seam gas company has also offered to provide copies of documentaries about the energy industry.

Opponents of the industry say classroom debate on the issue should be left in the hands of science teachers.

Aiden Ricketts, from CSG Free Northern Rivers, says it's an unacceptable tactic in Metgasco's PR campaign.

"We've got no qualms with Metgasco putting their DVDs in the local library or having their advertising blitz in the newspapers, that's all good fair debate," he said.

"The Northern Rivers is a healthy community that's had a good debate about CSG, maybe Metgasco feels they didn't do too well in that debate.

"We're all up for having a free and open debate out in the community, but for an industry group, particularly a vested-interest, publicly-listed company to be going into our schools with their PR package I really don't think is acceptable.

"The idea of big tobacco or somebody going into our schools to sell their ideas certainly wouldn't turn me on."

Metgasco is defending its decision.

The company's managing director says the documentary being offered was produced independently by a professor in the US, and looks at world-wide energy needs.

Peter Henderson also says it is common for technical professionals to speak at schools to facilitate science teaching.

The Education Department provided the ABC with a policy document.

It states that discussion of controversial issues is only acceptable when it clearly serves educative purposes and is consistent with curriculum objectives.