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 Roanoke College and Korean Embassy to unveil new Kim Kyusik Center for Korean Studies Clark Palmer March 13, 2026 0 Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball Team declines invite to NIT Clark Palmer March 13, 2026 0 Excel Center and Virginia Western to Sign Partnership Agreement Clark Palmer March 13, 2026 0