As more private companies aim to build and install pipelines across middle America, the laws governing private land and landowner compensation have been on the hot seat. An Iowa district judge officially ruled this week that it is unconstitutional for pipeline companies to enter private land to survey without compensating landowners.

The ruling comes after three companies have announced plans to build carbon-dioxide pipelines with one company suing a landowner in Clay County who refused officials to conduct a site survey on his land.

The farmer filed a counterclaim to stop the company from entering his land without permission or compensation. However, the pipeline company says they plan to appeal the ruling, calling it a “deviation” from existing precedent. The growing court case adds to already stiff opposition from local communities and outside environmental groups working to keep pipeline companies at bay.

Read more on carbon pipelines and landowner rights here.