RALEIGH - Four governors are abandoning their gas-guzzling SUVs to conserve fuel, but North Carolina's Gov. Mike Easley, like so many SUV owners, won't leave his behemoth in the garage.

Easley, who has encouraged drivers to conserve fuel, continues to be driven around Raleigh in a black, 14-mpg, state-issued Chevrolet Suburban. He also rides on a state helicopter to his home in Southport most weekends.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci, a Democrat, and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican, have switched from standard SUVs to more fuel-frugal wheels in the weeks since Hurricane Katrina sent gas prices rocketing. Baldacci downsized to a sedan. Bush still uses an SUV, but it's a gasoline-electric hybrid Ford Escape.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, has ordered an ethanol-burning Suburban, and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has ordered a hybrid Escape.

A spokeswoman for Easley said he uses different vehicles at different times. When he flies to a city or town in the state, he often gets around in an unmarked state police car, such as an 8-cylinder Ford Crown Victoria. Easley's press office said they couldn't discuss details of his vehicles due to security concerns.

"Security is working to make sure that they utilize the most efficient means of transportation possible," said press secretary Sherri Johnson.

S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford rides in a Crown Victoria sedan.

Executives in the public and private sector have increasingly shifted to SUVs in recent years out of both practical demands -- they can carry staff and other passengers -- and security advantages. Security teams like that the larger vehicles sit higher, providing a better view of what's around them, can drive over obstacles and can even ram another car if necessary.

Cari Boyce, an Easley spokeswoman, pointed out that state troopers and sometimes the first lady accompany the governor in the SUV.

"He car pools," she quipped.