The State department's Kerri-Ann Jones said Friday there's no evidence the pipeline will significantly impact the six U.S. states in its path as it carries crude from northern Alberta to Gulf Coast refineries in Texas. The Obama administration now has 90 days to determine whether the controversial project is in the national interest of the United States. Leading environmentalists say the State Department has refused to fully assess the risks.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) said the State Department failed to study pipeline safety measures or examine alternate routes that would avoid the Ogallala aquifer in Nebraska, a crucial source of water.

Jim Lyon, senior vice-president of the National Wildlife Federation, said the analysis was "strike 3 for the State Department" after two "failed rounds" of environmental review and warned of legal woes ahead.

More than 300 people, including Canadian actresses Margot Kidder and Tantoo Cardinal, have been arrested as they demonstrate in front of the White House. The multi week non violent demonstration aims to convince U.S. President Barack Obama to block the pipeline. People from across North America are arriving and being arrested each day.

September 26 and 27 are target dates for Canadians to participate at the White House.