Daily Roundup: August 28, 2009

Bad Gas: CFCs have been largely phased out by international agreement and are on the decline. Now, say NOAA researchers, it’s time to concentrate on nitrous oxide, which may soon become the leading threat to our ozone layer. ScienceDaily

Done Coasting: Amid criticism of the Army Corps of Engineers’ efforts (or lack thereof) to restore the Louisiana and Alabama coastlines, President Obama announced he will assign a federal task force to the coastal restoration. Grist and Bloomberg

Diesel Wins: The EPA awarded $20 million of Recovery Act funding to clean-diesel initiatives. ENN

Baby Talk: India should not accept "legally binding reduction targets" for its population, said the country's environment minister. Before controlling the Indian population, he suggested, Americans should learn to get along with one car instead of three. Guardian

Invasive Species: Piranhas are usually found in the Amazon basin, the Orinoco, and the rivers of the Guyanas. Which is why England’s Environment Agency was surprised to find a dead one in the Devon River. It was likely a pet dumped after outgrowing its tank. BBC

--Sarah F. Kessler