EPA Pesticide Regulation

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is primarily responsible for regulating pesticides in the United States. Their mission is to protect human health and the environment. The EPA Office of Pesticide Programs handles most of the regulatory issues pertaining to pesticides. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) gives the EPA authority to determine which pesticides can be used in the United States, and how they can be used. The EPA (in conjunction with other federal and state agencies) evaluates new pesticides and proposed uses, determines if emergency situations warrant temporary approvals of certain pesticides and periodically reviews current research related to the safety of older pesticides. They also enforce pesticide regulations and provide support to state and regional EPA programs designed to protect, certify and train pesticide applicators.

Learn more about:

• Endocrine Disruption
• Exemptions from Registration Requirements
• Food and Drinking Water Limits for Pesticides
• Illegal, Cancelled and Restricted Pesticides
• Non-Chemical Pest Control Devices
• Other Federal Agencies Regulating Pesticides (USDA, FDA, etc.)
• Pesticide Drift
• Pesticide Laws and Regulations
• Plant Incorporated Protectants (PIPs) / Genetically Modified Plants
• Registration of Pesticides
• Regulating Organic Food Production
• Regulating Pesticides through Risk Assessment
• Data Requirement for Pesticide Registration
• Regulation of Pesticide Labeling
• Regulation of Pesticides Applied to U.S. Waters
  • Pesticide General Permit (PGP)
• Worker Protection Standard

EPA Contacts and Information Resources:

• Pesticide Related Regulatory Guidance
• Contacting EPA about Pesticides: General and Consumer Topics
• Pesticide Office Contacts and Organizations
• Regional Offices
• EPA Hotlines and Clearinghouses
• Office of Enforcement and Compliance
• Report Environmental Violations
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
• National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)
• EPA National Library Network
• EPA Employee Directory

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email at npic@ace.orst.edu.