GRAFTON, N.D. - Environmental groups say they're suing the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., over the Keystone oil pipeline that would go through the Dakotas.

The Dakota Resource Council, with Dakota Rural Action, and the Natural Resources Defense Council say their lawsuit accuses the State Department of not fully investigating the risks from the pipeline, including leaks, and its effects on rural communities.

The State Department issued a permit allowing Alberta-based TransCanada Corp., to build the pipeline.

TransCanada and Houston-based ConocoPhillips are partners in developing the 1,980-mile project connecting Hardisty, Alberta with a delivery point near terminals in Port Arthur, Texas. The developers hope to start delivering oil next year.