Judge Says Coastal Adviser’s Emails Are Public Records

A judge has told the Division of Administration in Governor Bobby Jindal's office that they have until the middle of January to turn over thousands of emails from Jindal's chief coastal adviser to a New Orleans environmental activist because they are a matter of public record.

Anne Rolfes sued the Division of Administration for the records, and District Judge Todd Hernandez has ruled the documents must be turned over.

Rolfes contends email to and from Garret Graves, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman, could show information about conversations Graves had with energy officials about a lawsuit.  A flood-protection board has filed a lawsuit against dozens of oil and gas companies.

When Rolfes filed her request for information and then her lawsuit, the Division of Administration was too overbroad and burdensome.