An opposition lawmaker on Wednesday proposed a bill calling for taxes on the use of carbons such as coal to help raise funds for the development of renewable energy sources.

The so-called carbon tax bill, proposed by Rep. Sim Sang-jung of the left-leaning minor opposition Progressive Justice Party, calls for taxes on anthracite and bituminous coal as well as on electricity.

The taxes would come in addition to the current taxes on seven different types of fuel, including gasoline, diesel and kerosene.

Under the proposal, anthracite coal would be taxed at 5.8 won per kilogram, while bituminous coal would be taxed at 3.3 won per kilogram, and electricity at 1.4 won per kilowatt-hour.

If passed, the bill will take effect in 2016.

The annual revenue from the new taxes is expected to reach 680 billion won ($597 million) in 2016 and climb to more than 1.36 trillion won by 2021 through gradual increases in the tax rate, according to Sim. (Yonhap News)