Haskell Indian Nations University Joins Federal Air Monitoring Network, Hosts EPA Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Clean Air Status and Trends Network captures rural air quality data 

LENEXA, KAN. (APRIL 24, 2025) – On April 23, leaders and staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined educators at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, to celebrate the opening of the campus’ Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) air monitor. CASTNET is a 35-year-old national air monitoring network that captures air quality data at rural sites. 

EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy and Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA) Acting Assistant Administrator Victoria Tran joined Haskell President Frank Arpan, Haskell Vice President Milford Muskett, and Director of Haskell Environmental Research Studies Center Daniel Wildcat in offering remarks. 

“We celebrate this air monitoring project as an extension of EPA Region 7’s longtime collaboration with Haskell students,” said Regional Administrator Macy. “We are proud that this monitor will serve as an educational resource for the next generation of environmental stewards, while providing valuable air quality data to EPA and our many partners.” 

“EPA’s collaboration with Haskell Indian Nations University on CASTNET advances our understanding of air quality and its impact on human health,” said OITA Acting Assistant Administrator Tran. "This partnership demonstrates innovative approaches to developing tribal environmental capacity by providing direct experience to future tribal environmental leaders, while also meeting our goal of strengthening environmental and human health protection.”

Haskell’s new CASTNET air monitoring site bridges classroom instruction and real-world data collection by bringing environmental science directly to students. 

“This air monitoring station strengthens our academic programs by giving students direct access to high-quality environmental data,” said Haskell President Arpan. “It’s a tool that will enhance instruction, support research, and open pathways to science and public service careers.”

Following remarks, the leaders commemorated the opening of the air monitor with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The data dashboard for the Haskell Indian Nations University monitor, identified as HAS012, can be found on EPA’s website.