What are states required to do regarding pesticide regulation?

States are required to follow EPA guidelines at a minimum in order to ensure a baseline level of safety and efficacy in pesticide regulation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards that aim to protect human health and the environment from potential risks associated with pesticide use. While states have the authority to establish their own regulations and may impose stricter guidelines if they choose to do so, they cannot create rules that are less stringent than the federal standards set by the EPA.

This requirement ensures a uniform framework for pesticide safety across the country, while still allowing states the flexibility to address local environmental conditions and agricultural practices. As a result, states that follow EPA guidelines play a crucial role in maintaining public health and environmental integrity in consonance with federal expectations.