OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The U.S. government began handing out land to railroads to encourage development more than 150 years ago, but questions remain about how much control those companies have over the land.

Union Pacific faces several lawsuits related to whether it had the authority to allow an oil pipeline to be built along its tracks in six states and who is entitled to the royalties that are worth more than $14 million a year.

University of Florida law professor Danaya Wright says sorting out whether Union Pacific controls the land might require a detailed review to determine whether the railroad bought the land or received it as part of a federal grant.

Union Pacific plans to defend itself against the lawsuits.

The states are Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Texas.