Landowner Legal Defense Fund
Defending Property Rights in Federal Court
Why This Fund Exists
In early 2025, a federal district court in Maryland issued a decision that could reshape property rights across the United States.
The ruling granted a private utility developer, PSEG, access to privately owned farmland and forest without the landowners’ consent — before the project was approved by state regulators. The project in question, the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), is a proposed 500kV transmission line crossing three Maryland counties.
Landowners are now appealing that decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, arguing that the lower court’s order overstepped federal authority and violated fundamental property rights.
This case is not only about Maryland. It’s about whether private corporations can use federal courts to enter land before proving public need or receiving state approval.
What the District Court Ruling Means
The district court’s decision effectively allows corporations to claim a “right of access” to private land long before any official determination of necessity — a right traditionally governed by state law and regulatory review.
If upheld, the ruling could:
- Set a national precedent allowing corporations to enter private land without approval;
- Erode state oversight, weakening the authority of public utility commissions; and
- Expand eminent domain powers far beyond their constitutional limits.
This case will determine whether private property owners retain meaningful protections under federal and state law — or whether large energy companies can bypass due process.
Why It Matters Nationwide
Although this dispute began in Maryland, the legal question applies to every property owner in America.
If corporations can use federal courts to gain pre-approval access to land, conservation easements, family farms, and private homes everywhere could be at risk.
This appeal seeks to restore balance between private rights and public authority — ensuring that eminent domain remains a last resort, not a shortcut.
How Your Donation Helps
The Landowner Legal Defense Fund supports the landowners’ appeal before the Fourth Circuit (and, if necessary, a petition to the Supreme Court). Donations are used exclusively for:
- Legal fees, filings, and appellate costs;
- Preparation of legal briefs and supporting materials;
- Oral argument and litigation expenses; and
- Related costs of pursuing a precedent that protects private property rights.
All gifts are restricted to this purpose and managed transparently by TIPP.
Timeline
- April 2025 – District Court grants PSEG access to private land.
- June 2025 – Landowners file appeal at the Fourth Circuit.
- October 16, 2025 – PSEG’s response brief due.
- October 24, 2025 – PSEG’s files motion with District Court to ban hunting on private property subject to surveys
- 2026 – Oral arguments expected; potential petition to Supreme Court.
Why TIPP
The Institute for Preservation and Progress (TIPP) was created to balance innovation and preservation — protecting land and legacy while supporting ethical progress. TIPP assumed fundraising responsibility for the federal appeal and expert witness support to allow Stop MPRP, Inc. to focus on the state CPCN proceeding.
Together, these efforts ensure that landowners are fully represented at both the state and federal levels — with the resources, expertise, and public support they need to prevail.
How to Support
Your gift helps ensure landowners are not forced to stand alone against corporate overreach.
Donate to the Landowner Legal Defense Fund
If you prefer to donate directly or via a Donor Fund, please contact us for our EIN and IRS determination letter.
Transparency Promise
- 100% of donations to this fund are restricted to the federal appeal.
- Bi-Annual updates will report on filings, milestones, and expenditures.
- All funds are administered by TIPP, a 501(c)(3) organization, in collaboration with landowner legal counsel.
Summary
This case is about more than one transmission project.
It is about the right to keep control of your land until government due process is complete.
Supporting this appeal means defending every landowner’s constitutional protection against premature corporate access and uncompensated intrusion.
