What is one responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding endangered species?

The responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding endangered species includes ensuring that the registration and use of pesticides do not adversely affect these species. This stems from the agency’s mandate to protect human health and the environment, which includes safeguarding biodiversity. When evaluating a pesticide for approval, the EPA considers its potential impact on listed endangered and threatened species along with their designated habitats.

By conducting assessments and requiring compliance with the Endangered Species Act, the EPA plays a crucial role in mitigating risks that harmful chemicals might pose to fragile ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. This preventive approach is essential to maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity, which is aligned with the EPA's broader environmental protection mission.