Scientists assess drilling of Va. Coast

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) - Scientists are beginning to assess what they know -- and what they don't -- about the environmental consequences of drilling for gas and oil off Virginia's coast.

The government began a two-day workshop Wednesday in Williamsburg for researchers and scientists. They discussed drilling's impact on sea life, commercial and recreational fishing and other environmental and economic issues.

The proposed drilling would occur 50 miles from shore in an area believed to contain 130 million barrels of oil and 1.14 trillion cubic feet of gas.

The Bush administration has pushed forward with the leasing of waters off of Virginia's coast, and President-elect Barack Obama has said he would support a limited expansion of offshore oil and natural gas development.