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 Virginia assault weapons ban draws GOP criticism ahead of July 1 start Ian Price May 18, 2026 U.S. Supreme Court denies Virginia Dems appeal on referendum vote Gene Marrano May 15, 2026 The Roanoke Region Food and Farm Trail officially launches Gene Marrano May 15, 2026
