Dr. Timothy R. Petty assumed his Senate-confirmed position as Assistant Secretary for Water and Science in January 2018. In this capacity, he oversees water and science policy for the U.S. Department of the Interior and has responsibility for the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey. His career has focused on water science, engineering, and water policy. Dr. Petty previously served as Deputy Legislative Director and Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator James E. Risch of Idaho, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Dr. Petty covered issues of water, natural resources, environment, science, technology, telecommunications and space. He also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at Interior under President George W. Bush.
Dr. Petty earned a Ph.D. from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (College of Engineering and Mines in Water Science), an M.S. from the University of Maryland University College (Business Management), and a B.S. from Purdue University (Geosciences). Prior to his Senate service with Senator Risch, Dr. Petty worked for U.S. Senators Connie Mack of Florida and Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania. In addition, Dr. Petty worked in California and Indiana as a geologist and hydrogeologist. He is originally from Indiana where he grew up on a family farm.