Renewable Fuels Association Will Start New Membership Tier
A new Premier Associate tier for non-producer companies officially launches on October 1, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
The Renewable Fuels Association is introducing a Premier Associate membership tier for non-producer partners starting October 1, 2026. This new level allows industry participants to engage more closely with the organization's strategic leadership and planning activities.
Why it matters
This move aims to provide essential industry partners with a formal, stronger voice in the strategic discussions that guide the future of domestic renewable fuel production. It marks a shift in how the association incorporates non-producer insights into its governance trajectory.
The program launches with six inaugural members including RPMG, Pilot Company, Novonesis, Marathon Petroleum, CTE Global, and Fluid Quip. While these firms gain access to board-level events, producer members will retain all official governance and voting authority.
The players
Renewable Fuels Association
A national trade association representing the interests of the domestic ethanol and renewable fuels industry through advocacy and technical support.
Marathon Petroleum
A leading national energy company with extensive interests in fuel refining, marketing, and the distribution of renewable fuel products.
Pilot Company
A major operator of travel centers and a large distributor of fuel across North America serving commercial and passenger vehicles.
The details
The new membership tier grants non-producer companies access to official RFA leadership activities, including board meetings and member fly-ins. Additionally, these members will participate in a newly created Premier Advisory Council, which is designed to integrate industry-partner insights into the organization's long-range strategic planning process.
Timeline
October 1, 2026 marks the official start of the Premier Associate membership tier.
The Home Front
This membership expansion follows the broader industry trend of tightening integration between fuel producers and supply chain partners under the Renewable Fuel Standard. It reflects a wider regulatory and economic effort to align stakeholder interests as the national energy mix shifts.
While this change focuses on industrial governance, drivers should monitor how increased collaboration among fuel suppliers affects the availability and consistency of ethanol-blended fuels at local pumps. Keep an eye on fuel labeling at your station to ensure your vehicle is compatible with the fuel blends provided by these energy partners.
The takeaway
This new membership tier creates a more unified industry strategy by bridging the gap between producers and support companies. Consider checking your owner manual to verify the maximum ethanol percentage your vehicle is approved to handle before your next fuel stop.
Further reading
Learn more about the infrastructure and policy shifts impacting your commute by visiting the Electric Vehicles section.
