By pursuing green energy initiatives, western states can increase the security and reliability of the power grid while saving consumers money and diminishing negative environmental impacts, according to a recently released report.

The Western Grid 2050: Contrasting Futures, Contrasting Fortunes report, compiled by energy industry professionals, environmental groups, public health officials and other experts who are part of the Western Grid Group and Western Clean Energy Advocates, projected what the outcome will be in 2050 if current energy policy continues and what the result will be if more aggressive green energy policies are enacted.

While it stands to reason that renewable energy initiatives will be environmentally friendly, the report offered hard numbers. Given that many western states have desert climates, the figures related to water-savings are especially significant. The report predicted 289 to 343 billion gallons of water can be conserved by 2050 if states shift away from large hydro power projects.

In addition to saving water and reducing carbon emissions, by moving away from reliance on foreign oil, homegrown green energy is a more secure option, the report stated. And the creation of infrastructure to generate and deliver solar, wind and geothermal power means domestic job creation.

The report declares clean energy will also save consumers money, as current energy production relies on expensive gas resources and includes carbon emissions costs.

One western state, Nevada, recently played host to a National Geothermal Summit that considered strategies for tapping the state's vast reserves of clean geothermal energy.