What power does FIFRA grant to the EPA regarding chemicals?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) grants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to register and cancel pesticides to ensure their safe and effective use. This means that before a pesticide can be sold or used in the United States, it must be registered with the EPA, which assesses the potential effects on human health and the environment. If a pesticide is found to pose unacceptable risks or is ineffective, the EPA has the power to cancel its registration, effectively removing it from the market.

The ability to register and cancel chemicals is a crucial aspect of FIFRA, as it helps manage the risks associated with pesticide use and ensures that only those products meeting safety and efficacy standards are available for public use. This authority provides a regulatory framework that balances public health concerns with agricultural needs.