Which federal agency is responsible for overseeing national irrigation policy?

The Bureau of Reclamation plays a key role in overseeing national irrigation policy in the United States. Established in 1902, this agency operates under the Department of the Interior and is primarily focused on the development and management of water resources in the western United States. Its responsibilities include the operation and maintenance of dams, reservoirs, and irrigation projects, all aimed at providing reliable water supplies for agricultural and municipal uses.

The Bureau of Reclamation also promotes effective water management and conservation practices, ensuring that irrigation is conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. Through these efforts, it directly influences national irrigation policy and the infrastructure that supports agricultural productivity.

In contrast, the Environmental Protection Agency is focused on protecting human health and the environment and does not have a direct role in managing irrigation policy. The Department of Agriculture primarily deals with agricultural programs and resources but does not govern irrigation practices at the national level. The Army Corps of Engineers is involved in managing waterways and flood control but does not specifically oversee irrigation policy. Therefore, the Bureau of Reclamation is the correct choice as it is fundamentally tasked with the development of irrigation projects and the management of water resources on a national scale.