Which federal agency is responsible for registering or licensing pesticide products for use in the United States?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for registering or licensing pesticide products for use in the United States. The EPA’s role is to ensure that all pesticide products meet safety standards before they can be sold or used. This includes reviewing scientific data about the product's potential effects on human health and the environment, assessing how it can be safely applied, and determining its efficacy in controlling pests.

The EPA's regulatory process is critical to maintaining public health and environmental safety, as it dictates the conditions under which pesticides can be marketed and used. This involves rigorous evaluation and continual oversight to ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Other agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), focus on agricultural practices and research, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is concerned with workplace safety, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily regulates food safety and pharmaceuticals. These agencies have important roles but do not specifically handle the registration or licensing of pesticide products.