Under the Plant Protection Act, which agency is responsible to designate noxious weeds and prevent entry?

• A. EPA
• B. USDA
• C. FDA
• D. NOAA

Answer: (B)

Under the Plant Protection Act, the agency responsible is the U.S. Department of Agriculture, specifically the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. APHIS carries out plant health duties, including designating noxious weeds and regulating the import and interstate movement of pests to prevent their entry. This authority is invested in APHIS to protect agriculture and natural resources from harmful plants and pests. Other agencies have different roles: EPA regulates pesticides, FDA handles food safety, and NOAA focuses on oceans and atmosphere. So the designation of noxious weeds and entry prevention falls under USDA’s APHIS.