Which agency oversees pesticide regulation at the federal level?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the agency responsible for overseeing pesticide regulation at the federal level in the United States. The EPA's role encompasses the registration, labeling, and safety assessment of pesticides to ensure that they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health and the environment. It conducts thorough reviews of pesticide products before they can be marketed and used, establishing guidelines to manage their application to safeguard public and ecological health.

In contrast, the other agencies listed have different primary functions. The Department of Agriculture focuses on agricultural interests and rural economic development, while the Food and Drug Administration is mainly concerned with food safety, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is dedicated to ensuring workplace safety and health standards but does not specifically regulate pesticides. Understanding these roles highlights why the EPA is the designated authority for pesticide regulation.