Establishes the “Energizing Our Communities Act” to support communities hosting transmission lines and promote conservation and recreation.
Creates the Community Economic Development Transmission Fund (Fund) in the Treasury, managed by the Secretary of Energy, funded by a portion of interest from covered loans related to electric power transmission projects.
Defines covered loans as those issued for eligible projects including construction or modification of electric transmission facilities capable of transmitting 999 megawatts or more, after the enactment date.
Specifies eligible projects that can use covered loans, including those for constructing or upgrading electric power transmission lines and related facilities.
Designates host communities eligible for payments from the Fund as local governments or Indian Tribes with jurisdiction over lands where eligible projects are carried out.
Requires a portion of the interest collected from covered loans each fiscal year to be deposited into the Fund, with the exact portion determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mandates payments to host communities from the Fund, with eligibility based on submitting a request and certifying fund use for eligible purposes within specified timelines.
Stipulates that host communities use up to 80% of received funds for community support services, projects, or programs, and at least 20% for conservation, stewardship, or recreation purposes.
Lists specific eligible uses of funds, including infrastructure improvements, access to broadband and technology, workforce training, public health initiatives, and conservation efforts.
Requires annual reports from the Secretary to Congress detailing the operation of the Fund, including deposits, remaining balances, and information on recipient host communities and associated projects.
Clarifies that receiving funds from the Fund does not preclude host communities from entering into community benefit agreements with transmission infrastructure owners, nor does it affect any agreements’ authority.