Environmentalists applaud, petroleum industry does not; reaction to offshore oil drilling announcement Evan Jones March 16, 2016 1 minute read (Associated Press) In a major reversal, the Obama administration says it will not allow oil drilling in the Atlantic Ocean off four states, including Virginia. As WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, the announcement prompted immediate — and mixed — reaction. Share: Post navigation Previous: U.V.A. students increasingly seeking mental health aidNext: Italy-based company to build $75 million plant in Botetourt, creating 350 new jobs Related Stories Darius Rucker to perform at Elmwood Park in June Web Staff April 3, 2026 RPD Arrests Man in Southwest Gas Station Armed Robbery Clark Palmer April 3, 2026 Roanoke County enters spring with return of community favorite events Web Staff April 3, 2026