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

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the correct answer because it is the federal agency primarily responsible for regulating the use and distribution of pesticides in the United States. The EPA's role includes overseeing the registration of new pesticides, reviewing existing products, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring that pesticide use does not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. This regulatory framework is essential for maintaining safety standards and promoting responsible pesticide use.

The EPA's authority stems from various laws, including the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which mandates that all pesticides be registered and labeled according to specific safety and efficacy standards. By overseeing these regulations, the EPA ensures that pesticides are used effectively while protecting public health, wildlife, and the environment.

Other agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), have roles related to agriculture, safety, or conservation, but they do not specifically regulate pesticides in the same comprehensive manner as the EPA does.