Whatever the environmental impact may be, the sense at the White House today as President Obama announced new fuel emissions standards for automobiles was at how significant the agreement was among the disparate factions.

"This is an extraordinary gathering," Obama said as he opened his remarks in the Rose Garden this afternoon. "It's no secret that these are folks who've occasionally been at odds for years, even decades. In fact, some of the groups here have been embroiled in lawsuits against one another. So that gives you a sense of how impressive and significant it is that these leaders from across the country are willing to set aside the past for the sake of the future."

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Calif.) was on hand because of the role California has played in the emissions debate, having long battled for a waiver to set its own emissions standard. He praised Obama for finally bringing auto manufacturers, government entities, unions and environmental groups together.

"California was the David, and having all those giants fighting us and taking us to court. ... The president has pulled everyone together and now we're marching forward all in the same direction," he said.

Schwarzenegger echoed a phrase often attributed to chief of staff Rahm Emanuel as well, suggesting that a major catalyst for the agreement was the dependence of GM and Chrysler -- long opponents of tougher emissions standards -- on government funds.

"It's all about timing," he said. "I'm sure that President Obama said to them, okay we're going to give you that help. But here's what you need to do. So I think certain things changed very quickly because of that."

Press secretary Robert Gibbs denied that, however. "The notion that two of the 10 companies here are receiving assistance played a role in the other eight agreeing one something that they have generally been on the opposite side of for the better part of 20 years - I just don't think that makes sense," he said.