New DVD and Greener Pastures Program Address Unwanted Horse Issue No accurate figures document how many unwanted horses actually exist, their age, their sex, the breeds represented, how many are purebred versus grade, their most recent use, their value or what happens to them in the long run. The estimate runs in the tens of thousands. Click here to read more.

HB 418 insulates prospective plant developers from permit and licensing challenges on environmental and other grounds, and awards attorney and court fees to plaintiffs in cases district courts deem harassing or without merit.

"It's a start," said rancher Keith Smith of Roundup, Montana. Because of his interest in seeing the bill pass, Smith has been in daily contact with the governor's office to keep tabs on the bill's status.

The measure automatically became law after Schweitzer declined to sign or veto it 10 days after it reached his desk.

Schweitzer previously vetoed the bill, and sent an amended version back to the legislature. But legislators returned the bill to its original form and sent it back to Schweitzer a second time.

"The governor made his opinion on this bill known, the legislature did the same. No action was taken and the bill has now become law," said Sarah Elliott, Schweitzer's communications director.

HB 418 sponsor Rep. Ed Butcher said he was not surprised Schweitzer allowed it to become law by default.

"People in rural areas really got behind this legislation. I think this was the best move he could make considering the spot he was in," Butcher said.

There are also bills pending to allow horse processing plants in several other states.