What law requires the EPA to protect endangered species from pesticides?

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 is the law that mandates the protection of endangered species and the ecosystems they depend on from harmful activities, including pesticide application. This legislation requires federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. As a part of the EPA's regulatory responsibilities, the agency is required to consider the potential impacts of pesticides on endangered species when evaluating pesticide registrations and uses.

Understanding this law is crucial for pest management practices, as it underscores the need for protecting vulnerable species in agricultural and ornamental settings while balancing pest control needs.