Story highlights "It's a great day for jobs and energy independence," Trump said

The approval follows years of intense debate over the pipeline

Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump announced Friday that his administration has approved the Keystone XL pipeline, reversing the Obama administration's decision to block the controversial oil project. We greatly appreciate President Trump’s administration for reviewing and approving this important initiative and we look forward to working with them as we continue to invest in and strengthen North America’s energy infrastructure.”

Trump’s approval of the pipeline should come as no surprise as he made his position on Keystone XL quite clear months ago when he signed an executive order advancing the pipeline’s approval. “We look forward to working with them as we continue to invest in and strengthen North America’s energy infrastructure.”

The 1,700-mile pipeline, as envisioned, would carry oil from tar sands in Alberta, Canada, to refineries along the Texas Gulf Coast, passing through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma.
United States President Donald Trump approves the controversial Keystone XL pipeline.