Which federal agency is responsible for regulating pesticides?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating pesticides. This responsibility includes overseeing the registration, labeling, and safety assessments of pesticide products to ensure that they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment when used according to label directions. The USEPA evaluates scientific studies and conducts assessments to determine the potential impact of pesticides on the environment, wildlife, and public health, ultimately establishing guidelines and regulations for their safe use.

Other agencies mentioned have distinct roles that do not directly involve pesticide regulation. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) primarily focuses on agricultural policy, support for farmers, and food safety but does not regulate pesticides. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is concerned with workplace safety and health, ensuring safe working conditions but not specifically about pesticide approval or usage outside of occupational safety contexts. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees food safety, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, rather than pesticide regulation. Therefore, when it comes to the regulatory framework surrounding pesticides, the USEPA is clearly the leading federal agency in charge.