This page describes the requirements of a R&D Project Exemption Request under Subpart RR - Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide as well as instructions for submitting a R&D Project Exemption Request to the EPA using e-GGRT.

R&D Project Exemption Request Requirements

R&D projects will be granted an exemption from Subpart RR provided they meet the Subpart RR eligibility requirements for an R&D project (40 CFR 98.440). The facility must apply for an R&D project exemption, and then EPA will make a determination about the eligibility of a facility to receive an R&D project exemption for Subpart RR.

EPA will consider a project eligible if it meets the Subpart RR definition of an R&D project: “a project for the purpose of investigating practices, monitoring techniques, or injection verification, or engaging in other applied research, that will enable safe and effective long-term containment of a CO₂ stream in subsurface geologic formations, including research and short duration CO₂ injection tests conducted as a precursor to long-term storage” (40 CFR 98.449)

Per 40 CFR 98.440(d)(2), a submission in support of an exemption as a research and development project must contain the following information:

• The planned duration of CO₂ injection for the project.
• The planned annual CO₂ injection volumes during this time period.
• The research purposes of the project.
• The source and type of funding for the project.
• The class and duration of Underground Injection Control permit or, for an offshore facility not subject to the Safe Drinking Water Act, a description of the legal instrument authorizing geologic sequestration.

The entire content of the exemption request is important and will be considered in EPA’s decision making process. The research purpose in the reporter’s request provides a key piece of information on which EPA will base its decision to grant or deny the R&D project exemption request. EPA encourages reporters applying for an exemption to provide detailed information about the research purpose. EPA will also take into account any information the reporter submits demonstrating that the planned duration of CO₂ injection for the project and the planned annual CO₂ injection volumes during the duration of the project are consistent with the purpose of the R&D project.

Submitting an R&D Project Exemption Request

To request an R&D Project Exemption, click the link titled "ADD a R&D Project Exemption Request" below the R&D PROJECT EXEMPTION REQUEST table on the Subpart RR Overview page.

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On the R&D Project Exemption Request page, enter the following required information:

• Name of Project
• Estimated CO₂ injection Start Date. Click to choose the date.
• Estimated CO₂ injection End Date. Click to choose the date.
• Class of Underground Injection Control permit (specify if other).
• Indicate the UIC class and date of submission of the permit application.
• Underground Injection Control permit Start Date. Click to choose the date.
• Underground Injection Control permit End Date. Click to choose the date.
• Source and type of funding
• Research Purpose - include planned annual CO₂ injection volumes

When finished, click SAVE.

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If you have completed and are satisfied with your R&D Project Exemption Request you may proceed to certify and submit. If you want to save your responses, and return to them later, use the "SAVE" button. This process includes applying your electronic signature (entering your password and answering a challenge/security question). 

To submit and certify your uploaded R&D Project Exemption Request, click the SUBMIT and CERTIFY button.

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Review the SUBMISSION INFORMATION, CERTIFICATION STATEMENT, and AGENT CERTIFICATION STATEMENT and if you agree to the terms of the CERTIFICATION STATEMENT, click the green, "ACCEPT". 

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When prompted, enter your password, and then answer your challenge question to confirm your identity and click SIGN once more.

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E-GGRT will then generate a confirmation page which may be printed for your records. A copy will be available from the Subpart RR overview Page, and you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Once you have reviewed the submission confirmation, click HOME to return to the Subpart RR Overview page.

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On the Subpart RR Overview page, the status and certification date in the R&D PROJECT EXEMPTION REQUEST table will update automatically.

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See Also

Screen Errors
Using e-GGRT to Submit Your Subpart RR Project Exemption Request or MRV Plan
Subpart RR MRV Plan Extension Request
Subpart RR R&D Project Exemption Request
Subpart RR Proposed MRV Plan Submission