General Colorado Commercial Pesticide Application Practice Exam

Who is responsible for determining the federal classification of pesticides?

1. State regulatory agencies

2. The USDA

3. The EPA

4. The CDA

The correct answer is: The EPA

The correct answer is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because this agency is designated under federal law to oversee the regulation of pesticides in the United States. The EPA is responsible for classifying pesticides based on their potential impact on human health and the environment, and it ensures that all pesticide products meet safety and efficacy standards before they can be sold and used. The USDA, which is the Department of Agriculture, primarily focuses on agricultural policies and the promotion of farming practices, while it may be involved in aspects related to pesticides, it does not determine their classification. State regulatory agencies and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) operate at the state level and may enforce and implement regulations set forth by the EPA. However, they do not have the authority to classify pesticides; that responsibility lies solely with the EPA at the federal level.