President Donald Trump said Friday his administration has approved construction of the long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline—an announcement that received immediate praise from several business groups.

Construction of the pipeline had been delayed by the Obama administration at the urging of environmentalists. One of Trump's first acts as president was to sign an executive order expediting review of both Keystone XL and the equally controversial Dakota Access pipeline.

The White House announced Friday the approval of grants allowing construction of Keystone XL to move forward.

"Today's action to approve the Keystone XL pipeline's cross-border permit is welcome news and is critical to creating American jobs, growing the economy, and making our nation more energy secure," American Petroleum Institute CEO Jack Gerard said.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue also praised the decision, saying the pipeline "finally got the green light it has long deserved."

"This pipeline, and countless other projects around the nation, will improve America's energy security, create jobs, and help get the economy back on track," Donohue said.

Environmental groups were less enthusiastic. The Sierra Club issued a statement blasting the decision.

"The dirty and dangerous Keystone XL pipeline is one of the worst deals imaginable for the American people, so of course Donald Trump supports it," Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune said.

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