Specifically, the ERA Project will work on:

•Testing unconventional aircraft configurations that have higher lift to drag ratio, reduced drag and reduced noise around airports;

•Achieving drag reduction through laminar flow;

•Developing composite (nonmetallic) structural concepts to reduce weight and improve fuel burn; and

•Testing advanced, fuel-flexible combustor technologies that can reduce engine NOx emissions.

http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/isrp/era/index.htm

Was just on CNN - They plan to start with biofuels.

emit...