Which federal agency regulates pesticide use in the United States?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating pesticide use in the United States. This includes overseeing the registration of pesticides, ensuring that they meet safety standards for human health and the environment before they can be marketed, and evaluating their effectiveness. The EPA implements Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which establishes guidelines for the use of pesticides and ensures that users comply with safety regulations.

The role of the EPA is critical, as it assesses the potential risks associated with pesticide application, including impacts on water quality and the protection of endangered species. This agency conducts scientific reviews, monitors pesticide usage, and can take enforcement actions if violations occur, ensuring that pesticides are used responsibly and safely across the country.

Other federal agencies, while involved in related areas, do not have the same authority over pesticide regulation as the EPA. For instance, the FDA primarily oversees food safety and drug approval, OSHA focuses on workplace health and safety, and the USDA deals with agricultural practices but is not the main regulatory body for pesticides.