Energizing Our Communities Act

The Energizing Our Communities Act establishes a new fund to provide financial support to local communities hosting major electric transmission projects. It directs a portion of interest collected on qualifying federal loans (for projects transmitting at least 999 megawatts) to be deposited into the fund, which then makes payments to host communities (like cities, counties, or tribes) within 18 months of project construction. Host communities must use up to 80% of these funds for local services (e.g., schools, broadband, infrastructure, or renewable energy workforce programs) and at least 20% for conservation, recreation, or climate resilience projects like habitat restoration or park development. The bill requires annual reports on fund operations and ensures payments supplement, not replace, existing tax payments to communities.