Who has the authority to pass pesticide use laws in California?

The California Legislature has the authority to pass pesticide use laws because it is the legislative body responsible for creating, amending, and repealing state laws. This includes the regulation of pesticides, as they fall under the purview of state laws that affect agriculture, public health, and the environment. The Legislature's role enables it to evaluate and respond to the needs and concerns of the public, industry stakeholders, and environmental advocates regarding pesticide use.

The Governor of California and the Department of Pesticide Regulation play roles in the regulatory process, but they do not create laws. The Governor can influence legislation through veto power or by proposing legislation but does not pass laws directly. The Department of Pesticide Regulation is tasked with enforcing the laws and implementing regulations created by the Legislature, focusing on safe pesticide use and its impact on health and the environment, but it lacks the authority to enact laws itself. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets federal standards and regulations regarding pesticide use, but it does not hold power over state legislation. Therefore, the responsibility for passing pesticide use laws lies solely within the California Legislature.