Subpart RR – Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide
This rule requires reporting of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from facilities that inject carbon dioxide underground for geologic sequestration. Geologic sequestration (GS) is the long-term containment of carbon dioxide in subsurface geologic formations. Subpart RR requires facilities meeting the source category definition (40 CFR 98.440) for any well or group of wells to develop and implement an EPA-approved monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) plan; report data such as the mass of CO2 received for injection and the mass of CO2 injected, produced, or leaked to the surface; report the mass of CO2 sequestered using a mass balance approach; and report annual monitoring activities.
This rule is complementary to and builds on EPA's Federal Requirements under the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program for Carbon Dioxide Geologic Sequestration Wells.
Visit the Supply, Underground Injection, and Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide page for more information about this sector.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Implementation Information
- Subpart RR Submission Deadlines
- Subpart RR Final Decisions
- Promulgated Rules
Frequently Asked Questions
What are MRV plans under subpart RR? Facilities covered by subpart RR must develop and submit to the Administrator a proposed monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) plan for geologic sequestration at their facility. Under subpart RR, facilities must receive approval from EPA for all MRV plans, requests for a R&D project exemption, and requests to discontinue reporting. Any subpart RR decision is applicable only to the MRV plan, project exemption, or request to discontinue reporting for a given facility and does not constitute an EPA endorsement of the project, technologies, or parties involved. As described in the General Technical Support Document for Injection and Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide: Subparts RR and UU, MRV plans generally must include the following five major components:
- Delineation of the maximum monitoring area (MMA), and active monitoring areas (AMAs);
- Identification of the potential surface leakage pathways and an assessment of the likelihood, magnitude, and timing of surface leakage through CO2 through these pathways;
- Strategy for detection and quantification of surface leakage;
- Approach for establishing the expected baselines; and
- Considerations made to calculate site-specific variables for the mass balance equation.
The full list of MRV plan requirements is listed at 40 CFR 98.448.
Are MRV plans required to include specific monitoring strategies or technologies? The required contents of an MRV plan are listed at 40 CFR 98.448, and do not currently require specific monitoring technologies. Facilities can submit a draft MRV plan based on site-specific conditions and examples of possible monitoring technologies are provided in the General Technical Support Document for Injection and Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide: Subparts RR and UU.
How does EPA verify that the subpart RR data are accurate? The GHGRP has a multifaceted approach to ensuring the accuracy of data reported under the program, including: 1) clear and consistent monitoring and reporting requirements for each industry sector; 2) electronic reporting coupled with real-time user support and validations checks; and 3) a data verification system that includes electronic data checks as well as EPA correspondence with reporters to identify and correct potential errors.
How does subpart RR relate to the IRS 45Q Tax Credit? While both subpart RR and the 45Q tax credit program relate to carbon sequestration, they were developed and are implemented independently by separate federal agencies. The EPA does not implement the Section 45Q tax credit program and is not privy to taxpayer data. Any questions or concerns about this tax credit program should be directed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Where can I find data reported under subpart RR? The sequestration data reported under subpart RR are publicly available on the EPA's Facility-Level Information on Greenhouse gases Tool (FLIGHT). On the FLIGHT page, users can select the "Geologic Sequestration of CO2 (RR)" option from the Facility Type dropdown and click "Apply Search" to see facility-level data. View annual monitoring reports submitted by facilities who report data under subpart RR.
Visit the Supply, Underground Injection, and Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide page for more information about this sector. Note that facilities that supply or capture and maintain custody of a carbon dioxide stream in order to sequester or otherwise inject it underground may also be required to report data under subpart PP (Suppliers of Carbon Dioxide).
Implementation Information
Subpart RR Submission Deadlines
If you are subject to subpart RR and were issued a final Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit (any class) on or after January 1, 2011:
- Certificate of Representation is due 60 days prior to submission of a proposed monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) plan (or extension request) or Research and Development (R&D) project exemption request
- Proposed MRV plan (or extension request) or R&D project exemption request is due within 180 days of receiving your final UIC permit
Subpart RR Submissions and Final Decisions
Under subpart RR, facilities must receive approval from EPA for all MRV plans, requests for a R&D project exemption, and requests to discontinue reporting. Any interested person can formally appeal any of these decisions.* More Information. Note that any subpart RR decision pertains only to subpart RR, and does not in any way replace, remove, or affect Underground Injection Control (UIC) permitting obligations. Furthermore, any subpart RR decision is applicable only to the MRV plan for a given facility and does not constitute an EPA endorsement of the project, technologies, or parties involved. To view annual monitoring reports submitted by subpart RR facilities, please see the Subpart RR Annual Monitoring Reports page.
Posted below are final decisions under 40 CFR Part 98, subpart RR.
MRV Plan Decisions
| Facility Name | Facility ID | State | UIC Well Class | Date of Final Decision | Final Decision Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O'Neal Gas Unit Well No. 4 | 1014786 | Texas | Class II | October 28, 2024 | Decision |
| Denver City Fields | 1013859 | Texas | Class II | October 15, 2024 | Decision |
| Mongoose Amine Treating Facility | 1014747 | Texas | Class II | September 25, 2024 | Decision |
| Summit Carbon Storage #3, LLC | 1014782 | North Dakota | Class VI | September 16, 2024 | Decision |
| Summit Carbon Storage #2, LLC | 1014781 | North Dakota | Class VI | September 16, 2024 | Decision |
| Summit Carbon Storage #1, LLC | 1014783 | North Dakota | Class VI | September 16, 2024 | Decision |
| Maljamar Gas Plant | 1008432 | New Mexico | Class II | August 30, 2024 | Decision |
| Red Hills Gas Processing Plant | 1011064 | New Mexico | Class II | August 30, 2024 | Decision |
| Wellman | 1009875 | Texas | Class II | July 8, 2024 | Decision |
| Dark Horse Treating Plant | 1014467 | New Mexico | Class II | June 10, 2024 | Decision |
| Archer Daniels Midland Co. | 1005661 | Illinois | Class VI | May 14, 2024 | Decision |
| Rangely Gas Plant | 1009244 | Colorado | Class II | April 26, 2024 | Decision |
| CTV/CRC Elk Hills Carbon Project | 1014435 | California | Class VI | February 22, 2024 | Decision |
| SPG CO2 Bowie Facility | 1014507 | Texas | Class II | February 8, 2024 | Decision |
| Booker Field Area | 1009946 | Texas | Class II | December 18, 2023 | Decision |
| Denver Unit | 1011767 | Texas | Class II | August 21, 2023 | Decision |
| Seminole San Andres Unit | 1009861 | Texas | Class II | August 21, 2023 | Decision |
| Kinder Morgan CCS Complex | 1014543 | Texas | Class II | July 20, 2023 | Decision |
| Barnett RDC Well No. 1 | 1014524 | Texas | Class II | July 7, 2023 | Decision |
| Blue Flint Sequester Company, LLC | 1014505 | North Dakota | Class VI | June 22, 2023 | Decision |
| Great Plains Synfuels Plant | 1002440 | North Dakota | Class VI | January 12, 2023 | Decision |
| Camrick Unit | 1009997 | Oklahoma | Class II | December 14, 2022 | Decision |
| 30-30 Gas Plant | 1013701 | Texas | Class II | November 4, 2022 | Decision |
| Seminole East Field (SEF) | 1012091 | Texas | Class II | October 20, 2022 | Decision |
| Campo Viejo Gas Processing Plant | 1013609 | Texas | Class II | August 8, 2022 | Decision |
| Red Trail Energy, LLC | 1001157 | North Dakota | Class VI | April 7, 2022 | Decision |
| Tundra SGS LLC | 1014103 | North Dakota | Class VI | April 5, 2022 | Decision |
| Petra Nova West Ranch | 1013810 | Texas | Class II | September 30, 2021 | Decision |
| Farnsworth Unit CO2 Flood | 1009999 | Texas | Class II | June 30, 2021 | Decision |
| West Seminole San Andres Unit | 1013793 | Texas | Class II | January 12, 2021 | Decision |
| North Burbank Unit | 1010975 | Oklahoma | Class II | December 16, 2020 | Decision |
| Shute Creek Facility | 1002150 | Wyoming | Class II | December 19, 2019 | Decision |
| Core Energy Otsego County EOR Operations | 1010117 | Michigan | Class II | October 12, 2018 | Decision |
| Hobbs Field | 1012121 | New Mexico | Class II | January 12, 2017 | Decision |
R&D Project Exemption Requests
| Project Name | UIC Well Class | Date of Final Decision | Final Decision Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise White Paper LLC Wallula Basalt Carbon Dioxide Pilot Study | Class V | May 29, 2013 | Decision |
| SECARB Phase III Anthropogenic Test | Class V | June 29, 2012 | Decision |
| Archer Daniels Midland Company Midwest Geologic Sequestration Consortium Project | Class I | October 12, 2011 | Decision |
| Boise White Paper LLC Wallula Basalt Carbon Dioxide Pilot Study | Class V | August 12, 2011 | Decision |
| American Electric Power's Mountaineer Plant project | Class V | July 29, 2011 | Decision |
MRV Plan Submissions (Submitted to EPA, In Review)
| Facility Name | Facility ID | State | UIC Well Class | Date Submitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon Valley Gas Plant | 1002414 | Utah | Class II | September 30, 2024 |
| Copperhead Gas Plant | 1015153 | New Mexico | Class II | September 26, 2024 |
| Targa Permian CO2 Sequestration Well | 1015130 | Texas | Class II | August 26, 2024 |
| Shute Creek Facility | 1002150 | Wyoming | Class II | August 7, 2024 |
| Eastern Wyoming Sequestration Hub, Juniper I-1 | 1015123 | Wyoming | Class VI | August 2, 2024 |
| Milestone Carbon Delaware CCS Hub | 1015122 | Texas | Class II, Class VI | July 31, 2024 |
| Titan Treating Facility | 1013725 | New Mexico | Class II | July 17, 2024 |
| Bull Moose Gas Plant | 1015124 | Texas | Class II | June 14, 2024 |
| South Plains Complex | 1014924 | Texas | Class II | April 11, 2024 |
| Wildcat Gas Plant | 1013183 | Texas | Class II | February 2, 2024 |
| Unity Energy, LLC | 1014757 | Texas | Class V | October 2, 2023 |
* See 40 CFR Part 78 for appeals procedures, including the requirement that appeals must be made within 30 days after EPA's decision.
Promulgated Rules
| Federal Register Date | Citation | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/09/2016 | 81 FR 89188 | Final Rule | Revises 29 subparts to streamline implementation, improve data quality, provide flexibility, and clarify the rule. Establishes confidentiality determinations for new or substantially revised data elements. Final action in response to a Petition for Reconsideration. Final Preamble and Rule (PDF)(87 pp, 801K) Response to Comments Final Rule Fact Sheet Memo: Table of Final 2015 Revisions to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Proposed Preamble and Rule (PDF)(91 pp, 890K) |
| 11/29/2013 | 78 FR 71904 | Final Rule | Updates global warming potentials (GWPs) to reflect IPCC AR4 values, and amends 27 subparts to improve and clarify reporting requirements. Establishes confidentiality determinations for new and revised data elements. Final Preamble and Rule (PDF)(79 pp, 935K) Correction Notice (PDF)(2 pp, 248K) Response to Comments Fact Sheet Memo: Table of Final 2013 Revisions to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Proposed Preamble and Rule (PDF)(77 pp, 909K) |
| 08/13/2012 | 77 FR 48072 | Final Rule | Establishes confidentiality determinations for most data elements to be reported under subparts I, W, DD, FF, II, QQ, RR, SS, TT, and UU; defers the deadline for reporting certain recently added data elements that are inputs to emission equations in subparts W, FF, and TT; finalizes amendments to subpart I to remove the requirement for a facility using Best Available Monitoring Methods (BAMM) to recalculate the previous reporting years’ emissions and resubmit to EPA. Final Preamble and Rule (PDF)(88 pp, 287K) Response to Comments Fact Sheet Proposed Preamble and Rule (2/24/2012) (PDF)(23 pp, 261K) Proposed Preamble and Rule (2/22/2012) (PDF)(17 pp, 212K) Proposed Preamble and Rule (1/10/2012) (PDF)(19 pp, 230K) More Information |
| 11/29/2011 | 76 FR 73866 | Final Rule | Amends subparts A, W, FF, II, OO, RR, and TT to clarify reporting requirements and correct technical and editorial errors. Final Preamble and Rule (PDF)(25 pp, 341K) Response to Comments Fact Sheet Proposed Preamble and Rule (PDF)(30 pp, 427K) More Information |
| 12/01/2010 | 75 FR 75060 | Final Rule | Adds subparts RR (Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide) and subpart UU (Injection of Carbon Dioxide) to 40 CFR Part 98. Final Preamble and Rule (PDF) (31 pp, 340K) Response to Comments Subpart RR Press Release (11/22/2010) Subpart RR Factsheet Subpart RR Frequently Asked Questions Subpart RR PowerPoint Briefing Subpart RR General Technical Support Document Subpart RR Economic Impact Analysis Proposed Preamble and Rule (PDF) (31 pp, 280K) |
This information is provided by EPA solely for informational purposes. It does not provide legal advice, have legally binding effect, or expressly or implicitly create, expand, or limit any legal rights, obligations, responsibilities, expectations, or benefits in regard to any person.