What is the most prominent federal pesticide law in the U.S.?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the most prominent federal pesticide law in the United States. This law was enacted to regulate the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides to ensure they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. FIFRA established the framework for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate and approve pesticides before they can be marketed and used.

Under FIFRA, manufacturers must provide scientific data that demonstrates their products are safe when used according to label directions. This foundational legislation set the stage for subsequent amendments and acts, such as the Food Quality Protection Act and the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, which address specific aspects of pesticide regulation but are not as comprehensive in scope as FIFRA. Understanding FIFRA's significance helps highlight the overarching goals of pesticide safety and environmental protection within the regulatory landscape.