The department of water resources may provide by rule for exemption of the following activities from the license and permit requirements of section 61-04.1-11:
1. Research and development conducted by the state, political subdivisions of the state, colleges and universities of the state, agencies of the federal government, or bona fide research corporations.
2. Weather modification operations of an emergency nature taken against fire, frost, or fog. Exempted activities must be conducted so as not to unduly interfere with weather modification operations conducted under a permit issued in accordance with this chapter.