What: The 2nd Annual Rice Environmental Club Smog Jog, Friday, October 20th, 4pm. Meet at Founders' Court, Rice University campus.

Background: Smog Jog is a wildly successful and fun event that calls attention to Houston's air pollution problem and the failure of state and local government officials to produce real solutions. Part direct action, part shock value, and part exercise, the event takes place along the Main Street running path and median.

Very little actual running occurs, however. There is no "race" or "run" associated with Smog Jog. Rather, participants peacefully make their case for alternative transportation options and stronger clean air regulatory enforcement by holding signs, wearing gas masks or surgical masks, and drawing the attention of drivers and joggers on Houston's gridlocked Main Street during Rush Hour.

This year, Houston successfully defended its title as the city with the nation's dirtiest air. Smog Jog will prominently note this fact, as it did last year when Houston took over the position from Los Angeles. More importantly, Smog Joggers will call state and local political leaders to account for their actions (or lack thereof), particularly presidential candidate George W. Bush.

The Record: Last year's event drew local and national media attention. Locally, FOX interviewed organizers, while the event was later mentioned in both the New York Times ("On the Record: Governor Bush and the Environment," 11/9/99) and Rolling Stone ("George W. Bush and the Environment: A Closer Look at Texas", 8/31/00). We encourage media photographers, in particular, to cover this event with a lead section caption in mind. Also, event organizers will gladly give interviews before or at the event and can be contacted via the number below.

Directions: Rice University is located at 6100 S. Main Street in Houston. Enter via the Main Gates; Founders' Court is the open area immediately at the end of the drive.

More information: Contact the Rice Environmental Club at 713-348-4139, or visit http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~enviclub/activities/smogjog.html