"... that States have placed such language into hte civil code is more preemtive than punitive."

Actually, it's probably to gain the advantage of having the law on the books so people will get used to the idea of not being able to collect rainwater, just so certain parties can pump it out of the ground and sell it to you.

Before I left Las Vegas, they passed a law that the big casino/hotel complexes couldn't use aquifer or Lake Mead water for their lakes, water parks, golf courses and other water-based attractions. Now, there are more water-based attractions than ever before. They say they are using 'sub-surface' water. In Las Vegas. Nevada. A city in the desert, surrounded by hundreds of miles of more desert. A city with an average annual rainfall of 4.5".

Yeah.

Profit, profit, and only profit.

They don't give a fig for 'sharing'.

George Harrison was right:
"If you drive a car I'll tax the street
If you try to sit I'll tax your seat
If you get too cold I'll tax the heat
If you take a walk I'll tax your feet"

Sue (oh, dear, am I getting too cynical AGAIN?)