27 Sep 2005 22:34:59 GMT
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON, Sept 27 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush pushed Americans on Tuesday to reduce energy consumption. Orders were issued to White House staff to restrict non-essential travel, and the administration planned to reduce the size of the Bush motorcade. The following is a look at the fuel efficiency of presidential travel.
In the skies, Air Force One -- a four-engine Boeing 747-200B -- can hold 53,600 gallons of jet fuel, which currently costs $1.57 per gallon at a military rate or $83,200 to fill it up. The blue-and-white jumbo jet costs more than $6,000 per hour to fly, according to the Air Force. It can fly nearly 8,000 miles (12,800 km) without stopping. Bush also travels by helicopter between airports and his destination.
Bush's motorcade is a train of fuel inefficiency. Bush rides in high style -- a jet black 2006 Cadillac DTS limousine made by General Motors. The vehicle gets worse gas mileage than a standard DTS because of its bigger dimensions and added weight from armor and other extras required for security. The standard floor model gets about 22 miles per gallon.
Several gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles and vans packed with security agents, presidential aides and media speed along behind him on every trip. The motorcade numbered about a dozen vehicles during Bush's trip to Beaumont, Texas, on Tuesday but can run more than 20 vehicles for some trips.
Bush also drives a white 2001 Ford F-250 pickup on his ranch in Texas, but that vehicle is fueled by propane.
The Bush administration has proposed new fuel economy standards that critics say could trigger growth in production of big SUVs and pickups, helping U.S. manufacturers that make those vehicles.
