Which federal agency oversees pesticide registration?

The correct choice is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because it is the federal agency responsible for regulating the registration of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA evaluates pesticide products to ensure they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment before they can be sold or used in the United States. This includes assessing the safety and efficacy of the active ingredients, the potential environmental impacts, and the safety of proposed uses.

Other agencies mentioned, such as the FDA, focus on food safety and drug approval rather than pesticide registration. The Department of Agriculture plays a role in agricultural policies and may involve itself in aspects of pesticide application and agricultural practices, but it does not handle the registration process. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is primarily focused on health-related research and does not have jurisdiction over pesticide registration. Thus, the role of the EPA is critical in the regulation and oversight of pesticides in ensuring public safety and environmental protection.