Canada says Nebraska court ruling clears way for US to make a decision on Keystone pipeline

Canada's Natural Resource Minister says a Nebraska high court decision clears the way for the U.S. State Department to make a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline.

Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford welcomed the decision Friday that tosses a lawsuit challenging a proposed route for the pipeline from Canada. He reiterated it will create jobs and is a safe method of transporting oil.

President Barack Obama has said he was waiting for the Nebraska ruling before making a decision.

Delays in approving the pipeline have caused friction between the U.S. and Canada, which needs infrastructure in place to export its growing oil production. Canada relies on the U.S. for 97 percent of its energy exports.

Alberta has the world's third largest oil reserves, with 170 billion barrels of proven reserves.