"When an opportunity comes to engage companies constructively and hold them to a higher standard, we're going to take that opportunity every time, " said Mark Brownstein, EDF associate vice president.

WSJ: Sierra Club blasts new plan to improve fracking

Mark Brownstein, an associate vice president with the Environmental Defense Fund, said many oil and gas companies claim to be leaders in protecting the environment, and "this can be one opportunity for them to demonstrate that leadership" by submitting to an audit.

WSJ: Both sides agree on tough new fracking standards