The U.S. Senate has confirmed Timothy Petty as the new assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere at NOAA, the top position overseeing NOAA Fisheries.
Petty previously served as a senior staffer for lawmakers on the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Water and Environment.
“During my time in the Senate, I’ve had the privilege of working with many of you and your staff,” Petty said in written testimony to the committee. “Whether it was advancing hydropower legislation, supporting Tribal water rights settlements, or strengthening our water infrastructure and environment, I’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration and the importance of science-based policymaking.”
Petty is a geologist by trade and previously held the position of assistant secretary of water and science at the U.S. Department of the Interior from 2018 to 2021. He also worked in the Office of U.S. Senator James Risch (R-Idaho) on natural resources and water issues.
NOAA Fisheries did not respond to a request for comment on how Petty’s confirmation will affect NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, who currently also serves as the acting assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere. The previous NOAA Fisheries assistant administrator – Janet Coit – held both positions throughout her tenure leading the agency, and it’s likely that Petty will as well. Following Petty’s October nomination hearing, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) suggested that Petty would serve as both assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA deputy administrator – Soler’s current position.
“As second-in-command at NOAA, he will draw on his policy expertise to manage U.S. fisheries programs and protect coastal and ocean resources,” Cruz said at the time.
At the hearing, senators questioned Petty on a range of fisheries policies, pressing for improved surveys, stock assessments, and fishery disaster determinations. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) directly asked Petty to release fishery disaster financial relief for the 2022 Yukon River salmon fishery, the 2021 Upper Cook Inlet salmon fishery, and the 2022 Kuskaquim River salmon fishery.
“Can you assure me that your first order of business will be the approval of these disaster funds and the recovery resources necessary?” Sullivan asked.
“Senator, I look forward to getting into the building and doing just that,” Petty said.
