What federal regulation governs the use of pesticides in the United States?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the key regulation in the United States that governs the use of pesticides. Enacted in 1947 and subsequently amended, FIFRA provides the framework for evaluating, registering, and regulating pesticide products to ensure they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment when used according to label instructions.

FIFRA necessitates that all pesticides be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before they can be sold or distributed. This registration process includes scientific evaluation of the product's efficacy as well as its safety. The Act requires manufacturers to provide data demonstrating that their products will not adversely affect people or the environment when used as directed.

By focusing on the evaluation and regulation of pesticide practices, FIFRA plays a crucial role in protecting public health and the ecological balance, which grants it a pivotal position in the legal framework surrounding agricultural practices and pest management in the U.S.