What federal agency regulates aerial application in the United States?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating aerial application in the United States. The EPA oversees the registration and use of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This includes establishing guidelines and regulations for the safe application of pesticides in various settings, including aerial applications.

Aerial applicators must adhere to these regulations to ensure that their practices protect human health and the environment. The EPA sets specific standards for pesticide labeling and application techniques, which are crucial for minimizing risks associated with aerial spraying, such as drift to non-target areas or adverse effects on wildlife.

The other options do not directly regulate aerial applications. OSHA is focused on workplace safety and does not specifically cover pesticide application methods. The USDA deals mainly with agricultural practices and supports farmers but does not directly regulate pesticide application. The FDA is involved in food safety and drug regulations, rather than pesticide application practices.