10 C.F.R. § 712.4
The Department is authorized to grant exemptions from the requirements in § 712.11 of this part as it determines are authorized by law. Exemptions from requirements in this part are allowed only on a case-by-case basis. All requests for an exemption should be submitted in writing from the Manager to the Director, Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security for coordination, and approval by the cognizant Under Secretary. A request for an exemption shall be approved only if the cognizant Under Secretary determines that the exemption will not endanger life or property or the common defense and security, and is otherwise consistent with the national interest. The procedures in this section shall not be used to establish stricter recertification standards than those required by § 712.11 .
10 C.F.R. §712.4