That argues against your point. Rural areas in California are voting against their interest regarding water rights and ecology, for example. Digging more wells

That argues against your point. Rural areas in California are voting against their interest regarding water rights and ecology, for example. Digging more wells to deplete non renewable groundwater and draining the rivers to grow almonds is trading the future for the present. Accurately pricing water to respect externalities and long term needs would be more sustainable.