Which agency is primarily responsible for regulating pesticides in the United States?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is primarily responsible for regulating pesticides in the United States. This federal agency oversees the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides to ensure they are safe for human health and the environment. The EPA conducts thorough assessments of pesticide formulations and their potential impacts before they can be marketed.

One of the key functions of the EPA in regulating pesticides includes establishing guidelines for the safe application and methods for monitoring their usage. Additionally, the agency sets limits on pesticide residues in food and on agricultural practices to protect consumers and the ecosystem.

Other agencies like the USDA, FDA, and CPSC have roles related to agricultural products, food safety, and consumer goods, respectively. However, their responsibilities do not encompass the comprehensive oversight of pesticide regulation as carried out by the EPA. The USDA deals more with agricultural standards and practices, the FDA primarily focuses on food safety and pharmaceuticals, and the CPSC focuses on consumer product safety.