Environmentalists applaud, petroleum industry does not; reaction to offshore oil drilling announcement Evan Jones March 16, 2016 1 min 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. About the Author Evan Jones Editor View All Posts Share: Continue Reading 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 1 min read Virginia Tech fires head football coach Brent Pry Ian Price September 14, 2025 1 min read Blue Ridge Land Conservancy to host 2025 Conservation Celebration on September 21 Web Staff September 12, 2025 1 min read The need for more housing … and the preservation of structures that have historical value. Can those two viewpoints co-exist? Gene Marrano September 11, 2025