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S2835119th CongressWALLET

Energizing Our Communities Act

Sponsored By: Senator Peter Welch

Introduced

Summary

Creates a Community Economic Development Transmission Fund to send payments to local host communities and Tribes that host large electric transmission projects. The fund would be paid from a portion of interest on certain Department of Energy and transmission-related loans.

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  • Local governments and Indian Tribes would be eligible for a one-time payment after construction begins if they apply within one year, and the Secretary must make the payment within 18 months. These payments would be in addition to any payments in lieu of taxes.
  • Funds could be used up to 80% for local services and infrastructure like schools, hospitals, roads, broadband, and workforce training. At least 20% must be used for conservation, habitat restoration, public access, recreation, or climate resilience.
  • The Secretary of Energy would manage the Fund and set annual deposits in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury. The Fund would be financed by a portion of interest on defined "covered loans" for transmission lines capable of transmitting 999 megawatts or more, and the Secretary would use a disbursement formula that considers community input and a small-population community minimum.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Community payments for transmission projects

If enacted, the bill would create a Treasury fund to pay local "host communities" near large electric transmission projects. Money would come from a portion of interest on certain DOE and WAPA loans, set by the Energy Secretary with the Treasury Secretary. Host communities could use up to 80% of each payment for community support (schools, roads, hospitals, broadband at anchor institutions, workforce training, farm support, etc.) and must use at least 20% for conservation, stewardship, or recreation. A community must request a payment within one year after the Secretary's notice; the Secretary must pay no later than 18 months after construction starts and may make only one payment per project. The Secretary must report to Congress annually (within 60 days after each fiscal year ends) and give a one-time report within 90 days after enactment listing DOE loan programs for lines able to carry 999 megawatts or more. Payments would be discretionary and subject to appropriation.

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Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Peter Welch

VT • D

Cosponsors

  • John Hickenlooper

    CO • D

    Sponsored 9/17/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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