"Here we are, weeks in, and you're still unable to proffer me any information with regard to any kind of investigation or malfeasance," U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said.
The cuts, if carried through, would politicize the federal funds that Congress and the Biden administration awarded to seven regional applicants as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
The controversy over $20 billion of climate grants is stalling projects across the country and could force cancelation of projects designed to help people lower their energy costs.
Oil and gas executives were big backers of the Republican president and his "energy dominance' message, but the trade fights he's picked are driving up their costs and threatening to undermine the economy.