Updated: Chandler Opposes Clean Water Act Expansion

Joining over a hundred members of Congress, U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Ky., has signed a letter against the Environmental Protection Agency's attempt to expand their jurisdiction over U.S. waters.Drafted byCongressman Bob Gibbs, R-Oh., the letter is in response to a “Clean Water Protection Guidance”, a draft by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers that seeks to clarify uncertainty over which waters are subject to federal regulations under the Clean Water Act.Lawmakers have expressed varying levels of concern about the expansion, from saying it will circumvent the current regulatory process to calling it a "radical agenda" imposed by the "unelected bureaucrats" of  President Barack Obaman (h/t Barefoot & Progressive).WFPL News has called Congressman Chandler's office for comment.UPDATE:Responding to our request for an interview, the congressman sent the following statement in defense of signing the letter. It  repeats a talking point that members of Congress—not EPA regulators—should set environmental policy.From Chandler's office:“We absolutely must protect our clean air and water, which is why I have strongly supported legislation to protect Kentucky’s natural resources throughout my time in Congress.  I believe Congress—not just federal bureaucrats in Washington—should have a say in these changes significantly affecting our states, our people, and our small towns.”