Which agency is responsible for the enforcement of federal laws and regulations?

The agency responsible for the enforcement of federal laws and regulations related to environmental protection is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA oversees a range of responsibilities, including regulating pesticides, ensuring compliance with environmental laws, and protecting human health and the environment. This involves enforcing regulations under laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, among others, which directly relate to environmental impact and public health.

In the context of agricultural pest control, the EPA plays a crucial role in the registration and regulation of pesticides, ensuring that they meet safety standards and are used appropriately. This regulatory framework is essential to managing agricultural practices while protecting ecosystems and public health.

The other agencies mentioned have specific roles that do not primarily focus on the enforcement of federal environmental laws. For example, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) deals more with agricultural policies and assistance rather than environmental enforcement specifically, while the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) operates at the state level without the broad environmental regulatory focus of the EPA. The University of Tennessee (UT) primarily engages in educational and research activities related to agriculture rather than enforcement of laws.