In February, 1974, an ad hoc committee was formed as an outgrowth of discussions of the potential for coal gasification and liquefication in the Commonwealth. Chaired by Senator Michael, this Board met informally several times during the year, its members serving on a voluntary basis, and filed a report to the Governor and General Assembly for the 1975 Session with Senate Joint Resolution No. 109. The purpose of this resolution was to give formal status to the board with the allocation of funds for its use. The legislation was passed creating the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission to study the development and utilization of Virginia's coal, including exploration, mapping and transportation.