Gov. Bob McDonnell is lobbying for an expansion of the 2.9-million offshore acres the government has designated for possible oil and gas exploration.

McDonnell contends the triangular offshore leasing map 50 miles off Virginia's coast should be redrawn to better reflect the
state's coast, and could mean a bonanza for the state in royalty payments.

The governor is promoting an ambitious vision to create an energy-based economy. He stressed the mapmaking is secondary to persuading Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to allow East Coast oil and gas exploration for the first time, starting with Virginia. He is expected to announce his decision soon.

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