Washington

PRESIDENT Donald Trump sharply changed the federal government's approach to the environment on Tuesday as he cleared the way for two major oil pipelines that had been blocked, and set in motion a plan to curb regulations that slow other building projects.

In his latest moves to dismantle the legacy of his predecessor, Mr Trump resurrected the Keystone XL pipeline that had stirred years of debate, and expedited another pipeline in the Dakotas that had become a major flashpoint for Native Americans. He also signed a directive ordering an end to protracted environmental reviews.