Plans for a controversial oil pipeline have been resubmitted in the US.

TransCanada’s application to the US Department of State for the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline comes just days after President Donald Trump signed an order that allowed the firm to reapply for the permit.

The pipeline was initially rejected in 2015 by then-President Barack Obama based on environmental concerns.

President Trump has directed the State Department and other agencies to make a decision within 60 days of receiving a final application.

The project is expected to support tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and associated income during construction is thought to be worth around $3.4 billion (£2.71bn).

Russ Girling, TransCanada’s President and CEO, said: “This privately funded infrastructure project will help meet America’s growing energy needs. KXL will strengthen US energy security and remains in the national interest.

“The project is an important new piece of modern US infrastructure that secures access to an abundant energy resource produced by a neighbor that shares a commitment to a clean and healthy environment. Numerous studies have shown that pipelines are a safer and more environmentally sound way to transport oil to market than trains and KXL raises the bar on both fronts.”