Natural-gas companies risk causing serious environmental damage from hydraulic fracturing unless they commit to the best engineering practices, a task force named by Energy Secretary…concluded. Regulations to protect public health will work best when drillers embrace techniques that avoid “undesirable consequences,” according to…[the] subcommittee of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board…The report offered recommendations for companies involved in fracking, such as Chesapeake Energy…and Southwestern Energy…and guidelines for state regulators that oversee drilling…The Environmental Working Group…questioned the findings of a panel it said was dominated by the gas industry. The Independent Petroleum Association of America…said the report marks “a useful starting point,” for discussions…Communities “need to fully understand that there will be disruptive activities during drilling and industry needs to improve its response to local concerns,”…chief executive officer of the group, said…[refers to Schlumberger, Cheniere Energy]