Colorado's Gov. John Hickenlooper and his family continue to use two state SUVs, even though a state agency has issued a policy preventing state fleets from purchasing all-wheel-drive SUVs.

The Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration's ban, which was enacted a year ago, exempts state law enforcement vehicles. A DPA spokeswoman told Watchdog.org that the governor's vehicles should be considered law enforcement vehicles because state troopers drive him.

Records obtained by the media outlet show the purchase of two vehicles labeled "Governor's Vehicle" and "Governor's Family Vehicle" that show the 4x4 SUVs were purchased in 2011 before the ban. Hickenlooper arrived at a recent event in a Chevrolet Equinox.

Hickenlooper has also signed bill into law that requires state agencies to purchase alternative-fuel fleet vehicles with an emphasis on vehicles fueled by natural gas.