was this done to try to balance out the damage from yesterday's drilling announcement?

Fuel Efficiency: NEW Standards Announced By Obama Administration

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration set tougher gas mileage standards for new cars and trucks Thursday, spurring the next generation of fuel-sipping gas-electric hybrids, efficient engines and electric cars.

The heads of the Transportation Department and the Environmental Protection Agency signed final rules setting fuel efficiency standards for model years 2012-2016, with a goal of achieving by 2016 the equivalent of 35.5 miles per gallon combined for cars and trucks, an increase of nearly 10 mpg over current standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

(Huffington Post)
---
I'm glad that this was done, but it would have had more of an impact if he didn't ok offshore drilling yesterday.
But, yes, a good step...