Which agency is responsible for the enforcement of federal pesticide laws and regulations?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for the enforcement of federal pesticide laws and regulations in the United States. This agency's primary role is to protect human health and the environment by regulating the use of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA assesses the safety and efficacy of pesticides before they can be sold or used, ensuring that they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment.

The other agencies, while playing crucial roles in areas related to agriculture and health, do not oversee pesticide enforcement specifically. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mainly focuses on regulating food, drugs, and cosmetics but does not handle pesticide registration or enforcement. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is involved with agricultural policy and research but does not have enforcement authority over pesticide regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is dedicated to public health and safety but is not involved in the regulation of pesticides. Therefore, the EPA is clearly identified as the agency with the jurisdiction and responsibility for these specific regulations.