is not a new concept, at least not here. It's German origins is an interesting study.
http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2010/10/the_original _environazis.html
We see their glorious outcome in California today. You should check out their sorry 50 year history in managing their water, noy everyone is now ordered to go around stinking for lack of shower. their lawns and plants turn brown as their streets pile up with filth. But they are still running water into the ocean to save the Delta Smelt, a nondescript fish.
70% of their water runs into the ocean. they haven't built a new reservoir in over 50 years. Of course, in their view now capitalism is to blame. You can't make it up.
http://dailycaller.com/2015/04/07/obamas-objective-nationali ze-californias-government-made-water-disaster/