What federal agency regulates aerial application in the United States?

The correct answer is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because this agency is primarily responsible for regulating the use of pesticides, which includes aerial application of these substances. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the EPA ensures that pesticides used in the United States are safe for the environment, public health, and are effective for their intended uses.

This regulation extends to aerial application, as it is crucial to control how pesticides are dispersed to minimize negative environmental and health impacts. The EPA sets guidelines on the types of chemicals that can be used, their application methods, and the requirements for training and certification of aerial applicators.

Other agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), regulate aviation safety and airspace management, while the Department of Agriculture focuses on agricultural practices and support for farmers. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) deals primarily with space exploration and aeronautics research, and does not regulate aerial applications of pesticides at all. Hence, while these agencies have important roles within their respective domains, the EPA is the key regulator specific to the aerial application of pesticides.