In the case of Public Utilities Commission of Ohio et al. v. United Fuel Gas Co. et al., 1942, the Supreme Court examined whether a state could regulate natural gas prices for an out-of-state company that sold and delivered gas within its borders but was not involved in intrastate commerce or distribution to consumers directly. The court ruled in favor of United Fuel Gas Company, stating that while states have power over local aspects of interstate commerce when it comes to public utilities, they cannot interfere with rates set by companies engaged solely in interstate commerce without direct sales to consumers within their jurisdiction - even if those rates indirectly affect intrastate service costs. This decision reinforced the federal government's authority over interstate trade and limited states' ability to regulate such businesses operating within their boundaries.

The dissenting opinion in the case of Public Utilities Commission of Ohio et al. v. United Fuel Gas Co. et al., argued that the Supreme Court should not have intervened in a state regulatory matter, as it was beyond its jurisdiction and expertise to do so. The dissenters believed that the court's decision undermined states' rights and interfered with their ability to regulate public utilities within their borders effectively. They contended that the majority had overstepped its bounds by substituting its judgment for that of Ohio's Public Utilities Commission, which they felt was better equipped to handle such matters due to its specialized knowledge and experience in dealing with utility issues at a local level.