When the Bush Administration blocked California from setting its own standards last year, Boxer was a fierce critic.  So it’s no surprise that she likes this change in policy.
 
Boxer: “We know that all the scientists there and all the lawyers there told the former head of the EPA to sign that waiver, that he didn’t have a leg to stand on not to do it.  So it looks like everything’s on track to do this.” 
 
And the senator says the president’s directive is an opportunity for U.S. auto companies.  They’re under pressure to build more fuel-efficient vehicles in return for bailout funds.
 
Boxer: “I think the auto makers have to get with it.  If they continue their old hesitation to move into this century, then they’re not gonna be around for long.” 
 
Boxer says more than half the U.S. population lives in states that want to tighten auto emission standards.