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 Prices rise for FloydFest 2026 Tuesday at midnight – with the 2026 festival just over 3 weeks away Gene Marrano June 29, 2026 38th Annual Salem Fair returns Wednesday Web Staff June 29, 2026 Carilion, FBRI host workshop on latest treatment options for some forms of cancer Gene Marrano June 26, 2026