In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pesticides at the national level. Congress gives the EPA this authority through several federal laws, including the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). By regulating pesticides, the EPA works to protect human health and the environment.

The EPA works cooperatively with state agencies to review pesticide safety data and register pesticide products, educate professional applicators, monitor compliance, and investigate pesticide problems. Other areas of focus include pesticide and agricultural worker safety, endangered species and pollinator protection, reducing pesticide drift, and reporting pesticide incidents. Regional EPA offices can provide guidance on importing and exporting pesticides to and from United States.

Other federal agencies also work with the EPA. The FDA and USDA help ensure food safety, while the BLM and US Fish and Wildlife Service assess the risks of pesticides to wildlife and the environment. For more information on how various federal agencies contribute to pesticide regulation, choose from these topics:

• EPA's Role in Pesticide Regulation
• Role of Other Federal Agencies (FDA, USDA, etc.)
• Federal Pesticide Laws
• Agricultural Worker Protection Standard

Additional Resources:

• Office of Pesticide Programs - US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Regulating Pesticides - US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Pesticide Related Regulatory Guidance - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Regional EPA Offices - US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Pesticide Data Program - US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Pesticide Safety Education Program - National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC)
• Pesticide Residue Monitoring Reports - US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry – US Department of Health and Human Services

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.