What federal laws control pesticides?

There are two primary federal pesticide acts:

• the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1947, and
• the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972.

Both of these acts require registration and labeling of agricultural pesticides. The EPA is directed to register those pesticides and certify that they are properly labeled, that they meet the claims made as to their effectiveness, and that they will not have unreasonable adverse effects on the environment. Further, manufacturers must label them as general or restricted use and place training requirements on applicators. The EPA can deny or suspend registration or it can halt manufacture of the product. The EPA defines what the pesticides can and cannot be used for and may seek penalties against violators.