[5] The Forest Service prepared an Environmental Assessment of the plan and recommended some modifications, which Granite Rock implemented.

The District Court denied Granite Rock's motion for summary judgment, and dismissed the action.

California sought to enforce stricter state standards over mining operations on federal land.

It was joined in its appeal by nine other Western states, including Arizona, Utah, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming.

California sought a ruling on the constitutionality of the 1872 mining law that made it impossible to enforce state environmental standards.