Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard for clothing storage units takes effect. This is no small feat. We would not be here today without the tireless advocacy of the families who lost children to furniture tip-overs, including those representing Parents Against Tip-overs (PAT). One of my first meetings as a commissioner was with these families. They lit a fire to finish a rulemaking that had languished at the agency for more than a decade. I would especially like to recognize the work of Brett Horn, Kim Amato, Tracey Kelly, and others.

Following the lead of PAT and Congress, CPSC approved this mandatory standard pursuant to the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act. This historic standard sets clear guidelines to protect children from the unreasonable risk of tip-over-related death and establishes new obligations for the furniture industry.

Of course, nothing the Commission can do will completely heal the wounds from the losses these families have endured. However, PAT’s efforts, along with other advocates, will keep children safer. That is truly a legacy of which they should be proud.