Which agency is responsible for enforcing FIFRA regulations?

The correct response is the Environmental Protection Agency. This agency is charged with the enforcement of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) regulations. FIFRA provides the framework for regulating pesticide distribution, sale, and use, emphasizing environmental protection and ensuring that all pesticides are evaluated for safety and effectiveness before they can be sold or used in the United States.

The Environmental Protection Agency conducts the risk assessments necessary for the registration of pesticides, oversees the compliance with regulations, and imposes penalties for violations. This critical role is essential to safeguard human health and the environment from potential risks posed by pesticide exposure.

In contrast, the Food and Drug Administration primarily focuses on food safety, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, rather than pesticide regulation. The Department of Natural Resources manages state-level natural resource conservation and does not have the specific regulatory authority over pesticides. The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees agricultural policies and programs but does not enforce FIFRA regulations directly, although it may play a role in pesticide use as it relates to agriculture.