The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, created as part of the 2005 highway bill to give Congress some political cover to raise gas taxes, released its report today recommending that gas taxes be raised by 40 cents/gallon over 5 years. The national average gas price was $3.07/gallon yesterday, up 10 cents over the last three weeks. The Commission also recommends that, in 2009, transportation funding be based on miles driven rather than gas consumed, which would give a much-needed tax break to people who choose to drive huge gas-guzzling SUVs in time for the 2010 midterm elections. [CQ Politics, AP]