Go to NaturalGas.org [1] and review the section on "The History of Regulation [2]."
Also, see "A Brief History of Energy Regulations [3]" and read the "Overview" and "Oil Market Policies."
Links[1] http://www.naturalgas.org [2] http://naturalgas.org/overview/history/ [3] http://www.downsizinggovernment.org/energy/regulations