The TDA Environmental Quality Program (EQP) serves to coordinate and maintain the environmental protection and conservation efforts of the agency. EQP is charged with responsibilities that concern primarily water quality, especially regarding pesticide registration. EQP participates in numerous interagency state and federal committees to protect the water quality of Texas. Part of these safeguarding actions include the flora and fauna of Texas and to minimize those threats to our ecosystem through agricultural practices, especially pesticide use.

The Clean Water Act and numerous other mandates require the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure pesticides used in Texas do not pose a water hazard, both to humans and ecosystems.  Surface water and ground water are both vitally important and TDA continually reviews the scientific data and monitoring information to ensure Texas waterways are some of the best in the nation to use and recreate in. TDA works with numerous state and federal agencies, especially the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the US Geological Survey, and the EPA to carry out the mandates for clean water in the state.

The Endangered Species Act requires the EPA to ensure that registered pesticides do not harm federally listed endangered species. It also requires that species conservation should be done in a way that minimizes impact to agriculture. TDA staff work with the EPA, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to manage pesticide use in areas of the state that contain rare or endangered species. EPA and TDA scientists review studies for pesticides registered in Texas to ensure minimal risk to humans, wildlife, and the environment, especially rare species. Check the EPA Endangered Species Bulletins website to view any special precautions currently from EPA for your county of interest.