What federal agency is responsible for regulating pesticide sale, use, and registration?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency tasked with the regulation of pesticides in the United States. This includes overseeing the sale, use, and registration of pesticides to ensure they are safe for the environment, human health, and non-target organisms. The EPA evaluates scientific data on the health effects of pesticides and assesses the risks associated with their use to formulate rules and guidance for safe application.

The EPA's authority in this area is established under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which mandates that all pesticides distributed or sold in the U.S. must be registered with the agency and meet safety standards. This guarantees that pesticides undergo careful review before they are approved for market release.

While the other agencies mentioned have roles in related areas—such as the Department of Agriculture focusing on agricultural practices, the FDA overseeing food safety and drug regulations, and OSHA ensuring workplace safety—the specific responsibility for pesticide regulation firmly rests with the EPA. This makes it the correct choice for this question.