I never said that Pickens was "stealing water."On my Post # 14, I mention that the plan includes "aquifer water rights." And that is indeed where a lot of this story is taking place behind the scenes -- who and what get to control the apportionment of aquifer water.
But I nowhere claim hysterically that "Pickens is stealing water!"
As I pointed out, there are laws that determine that. Mesa Water wasn't the only group. A second group formed up to do the same thing, though I haven't heard of them lately. San Antonio has pumped huge amounts from the Edwards Aquifer thru the years. When their usage was curtailed, a group of landowners to the west formed and started pumping their water to SA. Even the Texas Land Commissioner sells ground water from state lands.
There are some who say that Rule Of Capture is archaic and the state, instead of the local districts, should regulate the groundwater. But Home Rule in the State Constitution and political power of the combined water districts have prevented this.
Any way. On to the next.
You say, "confiscation of private property through eminent domain"
Actually, we are talking about an easement. No different from the easements that are used to get utilities to your house. If it bothers you, you should dis-connect from the grid
Some have complained that the lege made the changes that gave the Roberts County FWSD the right of easement. But these rights are granted all the time and everywhere.
Now, very recently, the PUC has approved the construction of two transmission lines from the windfarm to DFW and SA. Of course you understand that easements will be required for these two transmission lines? Are you OK with that?
So the issue of Pickens' transmission lines are probably moot. He can complain that the PUC lines delay the project for a year, but it makes his windpower cheaper.