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 Former AG Miyares says redrawn Congressional districts are illegal Gene Marrano February 6, 2026 0 Virginia Democrats release map reshaping Roanoke, Southwest Virginia congressional districts Ian Price February 6, 2026 0 Your guide to all-day Super Bowl 60 radio coverage in Roanoke Ian Price February 6, 2026 0