Modifies current law to authorize utilities that serve retail customers in Washington and are located within the boundaries of the United States portion of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council area to claim renewable energy resource credits under the state Energy Independence Act. (See also HB 1426).   Official Text and Analysis.

Removes references to the WECC and narrows the ability of multi-state qualifying utilities to use eligible renewable resources outside the Pacific Northwest. Amends the title.

Provides that, for a qualifying utility that serves customers in other states, the following is classified as an eligible renewable resource: electricity from a generation facility powered by a renewable resource other than freshwater that commences operation after March 31, 1999, where the facility is located within a state in which the qualifying utility serves retail electrical customers, and the qualifying utility owns the facility in whole or in part or has a long-term contract with the facility of at least 12 months or more.

Expands the geographic region from which a qualifying utility serving customers in other states may obtain eligible renewable resources.