Which law regulates pesticide use in the United States?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the primary law regulating pesticide use in the United States. FIFRA provides the framework for the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides. It requires that all pesticides sold or distributed in the U.S. be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring they meet safety and efficacy standards.

Under FIFRA, pesticides must undergo risk assessments to evaluate their potential impact on human health and the environment before they can be approved for use. The act also empowers states to enact their own regulations regarding pesticide use, as long as they do not conflict with federal laws.

The Clean Air Act primarily addresses air quality and pollutants, while the Endangered Species Act focuses on protecting species at risk of extinction. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regulates food safety, drugs, and cosmetics rather than pesticide usage specifically. Therefore, the designation of FIFRA as the governing law for pesticide use is well-founded, as it directly pertains to the regulation and management of pesticides across the country.