In the case of New Jersey v. City of New York in 1930, the Supreme Court was tasked with resolving a dispute between states over pollution and waste disposal. The state of New Jersey filed a complaint against the city of New York for dumping garbage into the ocean which then washed up on its shores, causing environmental damage and public health concerns. The court ruled in favor of New Jersey, finding that while states have sovereignty within their borders to manage waste as they see fit, this does not extend to actions that cause harm or nuisance to neighboring states. This decision established an important precedent regarding interstate relations and environmental responsibility.

In the dissenting opinion for New Jersey v. City of New York, Justice Stone disagreed with the majority's decision to grant an injunction against New York City's practice of dumping garbage into the ocean. He argued that there was insufficient evidence to prove that this action caused significant harm or nuisance to New Jersey and its residents. Additionally, he pointed out that many other cities also dumped their waste in a similar manner without facing legal consequences. Therefore, he believed it was unfair and inconsistent to single out New York City for punishment when so many others were guilty of the same act but went unpunished.