What role does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) play in relation to pesticides?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial regulatory role when it comes to pesticides. It is responsible for the registration of pesticides, which involves assessing their safety, efficacy, and environmental impact before they can be marketed and used. By conducting rigorous evaluations, the EPA ensures that pesticides meet specific standards to protect human health and the environment. Additionally, the agency monitors the use of pesticides to ensure compliance with regulations and to promote safe application practices.

The responsibilities of the EPA do not include selling pesticides or providing financial assistance for pesticide sales, as these activities fall outside its regulatory functions. While the EPA may offer resources and information for training purposes, it does not conduct training sessions directly. The agency’s primary focus is ensuring that pesticides are used in a manner that minimizes risks to health and the environment through regulation and oversight.