Which federal agency is responsible for regulating herbicide usage?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating herbicide usage. This agency plays a crucial role in protecting human health and the environment through the regulation of pesticides, including herbicides. The EPA is tasked with evaluating the safety and efficacy of these chemicals before they can be marketed, ensuring that they do not pose unreasonable risks to humans or the environment.

The EPA's responsibilities include reviewing and approving pesticide registrations, setting usage guidelines, and enforcing regulations to ensure compliance with safety standards. For instance, the agency assesses the potential environmental impacts and the risks associated with herbicide applications, which is critical for both land management and agricultural practices.

Meanwhile, although the Department of Agriculture is involved in agricultural policies and practices, it does not regulate pesticide usage directly. OSHA focuses on workplace safety and health, and the FDA regulates food safety and pharmaceuticals, neither of which specifically pertains to the regulation of herbicides used in agricultural and landscaping contexts.