What role does the Environmental Protection Agency play concerning pesticides?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in approving pesticides for use, which involves a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure that pesticides meet safety standards for human health and the environment. Before any pesticide can be sold or distributed in the United States, it must undergo rigorous testing and assessment by the EPA, which examines both the effectiveness and potential risks associated with the product. This process includes reviewing data related to the pesticide's chemical composition, intended use, and environmental impact. By approving pesticides, the EPA ensures that only those products that have been proven to be safe and effective can enter the market, thereby protecting both agricultural interests and public health.

The other choices reflect functions not directly handled by the EPA. For example, safety training is typically provided by state agencies or individual companies, while the EPA does not register pesticide distributors or regulate pesticide prices, which fall under other regulatory frameworks or are determined by market dynamics.