How does New Mexico manage pesticide registration?

New Mexico manages pesticide registration by requiring all pesticides to be registered with the New Mexico Environment Department. This process ensures that pesticides used within the state meet specific safety and efficacy standards as defined by state regulations. The registration process includes an evaluation of the pesticide's ingredients, formulation, labeling, and its intended use, which helps protect public health and the environment from potentially harmful substances.

While federal approval is part of the overall regulatory framework for pesticides, it is not the sole requirement for pesticide use in New Mexico; therefore, the idea that all pesticides must receive federal approval does not address state-level regulations adequately. Similarly, the registration is not optional for newer pesticides, as all pesticides must go through the registration process regardless of when they were introduced to the market. Lastly, registration at the county level only is inaccurate, as the state-level authority, specifically the New Mexico Environment Department, oversees pesticide registration to maintain uniformity and compliance across the entire state.