The task force on sustainable development was created pursuant to House Joint Resolution No. 291 of 1994 Session of the General Assembly (Appendix A) and was continued pursuant to House Joint Resolution No. 536 of the 1995 Session (Appendix B). The task force was composed of six members of the House of Delegates, four members of the Senate, six citizens appointed by the Governor, and the Secretaries of Commerce and Trade and Natural Resources, who served as nonvoting ex officio members. Delegate David G. Brickley served as the chairman of the task force during 1994, and Delegate Clarence E. Phillips assumed the chairmanship for the study's second year.

House Joint Resolution No. 291 (1994) directed the task force "to study sustainable development" and to "assess current sustainable development initiatives in the Commonwealth and other areas, develop a statewide strategic plan for sustainable development, and recommend appropriate actions which state and local governments, citizen groups, and nonprofit organizations, especially in rural areas of the Commonwealth, might consider for implementation." The resolution recites that "the term 'sustainable development' describes economic development which protects environmental resources and which is characterized by local communities that are diverse, productive and adaptable." HJR 536 (1995) continued the task force and stated that "the charge of the task force shall continue as set forth in HJR No. 291 (1994)."