State Pesticide Regulation

In the United States, state governments play an important role in regulating pesticides. They may develop their own regulations that are stricter than the EPA's federal pesticide regulations. This is done by each state’s pesticide regulatory office. They are often part of the State Department of Agriculture, but may be part of other state offices such as the Department of Environmental Protection.

State pesticide offices can have many different responsibilities. They work closely with EPA and other federal agencies to enforce pesticide laws.

Consider contacting your state's pesticide regulatory agency for information on the following topics:

• Certification/licensing for pesticide applicators, consultants, businesses
• Investigation of pesticide incidents, including spills and misapplications
• Pesticide product registration in each state
• Proper pesticide application and clarification of pesticide label instructions
• Notification and posting requirements prior to pesticide applications

Additional Resources:

• State Pesticide Regulatory Offices - NPIC
• Pesticide Safety Education Program - National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC)
• State and Local Health Departments - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• State and Regional Public Health Associations - American Public Heath Association (APHA)
• State and Territorial Environmental Agencies - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• State Pesticide Registrations for Special Local Needs (FIFRA Section 24c) - US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Guidance for State Managed Pollinator Protection Plans - US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

If you have questions about specific regulations in your state, consider contacting your state pesticide regulatory agency, call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.