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 Tech secures record $75 million gift for athletics and academics Web Staff June 8, 2026 Olde Salem Brewing Company launches food service at downtown Roanoke location Clark Palmer June 5, 2026 Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport launches daily nonstop service to Dallas-Fort Worth Web Staff June 5, 2026