Which federal agency is responsible for implementing pesticide rules and regulations?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency tasked with implementing pesticide rules and regulations. The EPA's role includes evaluating the safety and efficacy of pesticides before they can be sold or used, ensuring that they do not pose unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. The agency sets standards for pesticide registration, labeling, and application practices, and it oversees compliance with these regulations through monitoring and enforcement actions.

In contrast, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily governs food safety and drug approval, which include monitoring pesticide residues in food but does not handle pesticide regulation directly. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) focuses on agricultural practices and support systems, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is concerned with workplace safety and health standards rather than the specific regulation of pesticides.