MECA's mission is to provide technical information on emission controls, thereby facilitating the establishment of a strong and effective state, national, and international air quality policy that promotes public health, environmental quality, and industrial progress. MECA strives to keep its members apprised of developments that affect the emission control industry so that they can make informed business decisions.

As the leading spokesperson for the motor vehicle emission control industry in North America, MECA seeks to evaluate and respond to regulatory initiatives and otherwise promote an understanding of the air quality benefits of its member companies' control technologies.

MECA's principal activities on behalf of its members include:

Government relations

• EPA liaison: MECA maintains close contact with technical experts and policy planners at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal government agencies concerned with environmental issues and regulations. MECA acts as a central source of information on emission technology and industry capabilities and views. In turn, it keeps members informed of regulatory and other developments of significance to the industry. MECA also serves on EPA technical advisory committees.
  
• Congressional liaison: MECA monitors and reports on congressional actions which affect the industry and answers requests for technical and industry information from congressional committees involved in environmental and related legislation.
  
• State and local liaison: Regional, state, and local air quality agencies play an important role in our nation's efforts to clean up the air we breathe. MECA works very closely with officials, answering questions and providing information on emission control technology issues. MECA members are kept informed on regional, state, and local actions that affect their interests. Also, MECA serves on state and local technical advisory committees.
  

International activities

The market for air pollution control equipment has become a world market. MECA supports efforts by foreign countries to implement effective control programs by providing information on recent technological developments, conducting technology briefings for air quality officials, and sponsoring international technical conferences. MECA also helps its members keep apprised of business opportunities throughout the world.

Industry relations

MECA maintains contact with other organizations concerned with national and international environmental questions. For example, MECA has played an active role working together with other industry groups, public interest groups, and government agencies to explain the importance of low sulfur fuel in maximizing the effectiveness of motor vehicle emission control technologies.

Public information services

MECA maintains contact with the media and acts as a central source of information on matters involving emission controls. MECA, for example, issues press releases and provides background, explanatory, and technical information for news stories and technical reports. MECA has issued a series of technical reports on subjects related to motor vehicle and stationary source emission control. MECA maintains an Internet website which contains current information and reports on emission control technology and regulatory developments.

Special studies

MECA undertakes special studies and cooperative test programs on issues of major importance to the industry and air quality officials. For example, MECA conducts comprehensive emission testing programs to demonstrate the capabilities of advanced emission control technologies to help significantly reduce emissions from passenger cars, light trucks and heavy-duty vehicles such as urban buses and line-haul trucks. MECA also participates with industry partners and government agencies in test programs designed to provide important data on motor vehicle emission control issues.

Washington presence

MECA provides the emission controls industry with a responsible and responsive presence in the nation's capital, able to work with government, industry, public, and private groups to ensure that the emission controls industry and its products are properly represented and understood. At the same time, it keeps members informed of all important policy and other developments with potential impact on the industry.

Membership in MECA is open to all firms that manufacture emission control equipment and material for sale to the motor vehicle and engine industries.

Special associate memberships are available to firms that are developing, but do not plan to market, motor vehicle emission controls and to firms that manufacture catalyst-based controls for stationary sources.