What legislation established federal regulations for pesticide use?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the primary legislation that established federal regulations for the use of pesticides. Enacted in 1947, FIFRA provides the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the authority to oversee the registration, distribution, and sale of pesticides. Under FIFRA, all pesticides must be registered with the EPA before they can be sold or used in the United States, ensuring that they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment.

FIFRA set the foundation for the regulation of pesticide products and established guidelines for their labeling, usage, and safety. This legislation has been amended several times to enhance its effectiveness, including provisions for improved safety and environmental protection measures. The subsequent legislation, such as the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), built upon FIFRA by addressing pesticide residues in food, but FIFRA remains the cornerstone of pesticide regulation at the federal level. The other choices, like the WPA (Water Pollution Act) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency, which enforces regulations), do not specifically establish regulations for pesticide use.