What is the main federal law regulating pesticide use?

The main federal law regulating pesticide use is the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This law provides the framework for the regulation, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides in the United States. Under FIFRA, all pesticides must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before they can be sold or distributed, ensuring that they meet specific safety and efficacy standards.

While the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) is an important legislation that amended FIFRA and established additional protections for public health and the environment, it is not the primary law governing pesticide registration and use. The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is designed to protect agricultural workers who may be exposed to pesticides, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) establishes tolerances for pesticide residues in food. However, these laws operate within the framework established by FIFRA, which remains the core legislative authority on pesticide regulation.