Midwest Environmental Advocates is asking for text messages between Natural Resources Board chairman Fred Prehn and others about his refusal to step down.
The lawsuit filed in Dane County says the group discovered that Prehn communicated about his tenure on the board via text in addition to emails.
Prehn continues to chair meetings even though his term expired in May.
Governor Tony Evers appointed Sandra Dee Naas to replace Prehn, but the Republican-controlled Senate has yet to confirm her.
The MEA claims Prehn violated open meetings laws by discussing his status on the board through text message, then not turning those messages over as part of a previous open records request.
MEA’s attorney said in a statement, “this legal action is about holding Doctor Prehn accountable to the law, just like any other government official.”
