Which agency had regulatory authority over FIFRA until it was transferred in 1972?

The regulatory authority over the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) was originally held by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) until it was transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1972. FIFRA was designed to regulate the sale and use of pesticides, ensuring they are safe for human health and the environment.

The USDA’s involvement was largely due to its role in agricultural matters, as pesticides are closely linked to farming practices. It was only after the establishment of the EPA, which was created to consolidate federal regulatory activities related to environmental protection, that the oversight of FIFRA came under its jurisdiction. This shift reflected a growing recognition of the environmental impacts of pesticide use and the need for more comprehensive regulatory oversight.

Understanding this transition highlights the evolving nature of environmental regulations in the United States and the increasing role of federal agencies in safeguarding public health and the environment from agricultural chemicals.