In Re Edwards Aquifer Authority

OPINION

Relator Edwards Aquifer Authority (“Authority”) seeks a writ of mandamus compelling the Honorable Donna S. Rayes, Judge of the 81st Judicial District Court, Atascosa County, Texas, to vacate orders denying a motion to strike a jury demand and setting review of the Authority’s administrative permitting decision under the substantial evidence de novo rule. The law requires the Authority’s permitting decisions to be reviewed under the substantial evidence rule by a judge sitting without a jury. Because the trial court did not apply the law properly and the Authority’s appellate remedy is…