The Virginia Coastal Study Commission was established by the 1975 General Assembly pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution No. 137 (See APPENDIX I.), to study the onshore, interface and offshore effects on Virginia of possible oil exploration and development on the Outer Continental Shelf (O.C.S.) adjacent to Virginia's coast. The Commission was directed to develop and evaluate information on the probable economic, cultural and environmental cost of such exploration and development. The resolution· came about largely because of the November 1974 report, "Virginia and the Outer Continental Shelf: Problems, Possibilities and Posture" done by an ad hoc committee of State agency heads.

The Commission is composed of Senator Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr. of Fairfax, Chairman; Delegate Glenn B. McClanan of Virginia Beach, Vice Chairman; Senator Herbert H. Bateman of Newport News; A. G. Clark, Jr. of Yorktown, representing industry; David S. Favre of Newport News, representing environmental groups; Delegate Evelyn M. Hailey of Norfolk; Ivan D. Mapp of Virginia Beach, representing local government; Delegate George N. McMath of Accomac; Delegate Calvin G. Sanford of Hague; Delegate Alson H. Smith, Jr. of Winchester; and Harry E. Tull, Jr. of Saxis, also representing local government. Edward F. Wilson, the Governor's O.C.S. coordinator and Deputy Director of the Virginia Energy Office was named an ex officio member of the Commission. Mary Margaret Goodwin, Chairperson of the Stream Valley Board of Fairfax County ; B. C Leynes, Jr. and Stewart Gamage of the Division of State Planning and Community Affairs; Norman E. Larsen of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission; John Pleasants of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science; James E. Moore of the Attorney General's Office and Jonathan Murdoch-Kitt. and Susan T. Gill of the Division of Legislative Services served as staff to the Commission.

In March, 1975, the United States vs. Maine case was decided in favor of the United $tates, giving the federal government title to the O.C.S. and dominion and control over its potential oil and gas resources. This case delineated the options available to. Virginia regarding the O.C.S. and activated the Senate Resolution that established the Commission.