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What is the primary role of the EPA regarding pesticides?
Perform regular inspections of pesticide use
Re-evaluate older pesticides and establish safety rules
Set prices for pesticide products
Grant licenses to pesticide users
The correct answer is: Re-evaluate older pesticides and establish safety rules
The primary role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding pesticides is to re-evaluate older pesticides and establish safety rules. This responsibility is crucial because it ensures that pesticides in use remain safe for humans, animals, and the environment throughout their lifecycle. The EPA conducts thorough assessments of the potential risks associated with these chemicals, considering factors such as new scientific data and changing agricultural practices. By doing so, the agency can identify any necessary changes to safety regulations or usage guidelines, thereby protecting public health and the environment from potential harm. While the other choices mention important aspects of pesticide regulation, they do not capture the fundamental responsibility of the EPA. The EPA does not set prices for pesticides, as pricing is determined by the market. While the agency may conduct inspections, this is part of enforcement rather than its primary role. Although licenses are an important aspect of pesticide regulation, granting them is typically handled at the state level rather than being the EPA's main function. Thus, the focus on re-evaluating pesticides and establishing safety rules rightly emphasizes the EPA’s central mission in ensuring safe pesticide practices.