; and (4) to aid in the commercialization of carbon removal technologies or approaches. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Carbon removal; carbon removal technology or approach The terms carbon removal and carbon removal technology or approach have the meanings given the terms in section 2 of the Carbon Removal and Emissions Storage Technologies Act of 2023 . (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means any of the following entities: (A) An institution of higher education. (B) A National Laboratory. (C) A Federal research agency. (D) A State research agency. (E) A nonprofit research organization. (F) An industrial entity. (G) A consortium of 2 or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F). (3) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy. (c) Carbon removal footprint program (1) Establishment Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a program to carry out the purposes described in subsection (a), including by providing financial assistance to eligible entities to examine the technological, economic, and environmental impacts of carbon removal pathways and technologies. (2) Eligible activities Activities eligible to receive financial assistance under this section include— (A) assessments of technological or economic barriers to the widescale deployment of carbon removal pathways and technologies; and (B) lifecycle assessments for carbon removal pathways and technologies, including gathering data in partnership with a direct air capture test center authorized under section 969D(f)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 16298d(f)(1) ). (3) Applications An eligible entity seeking financial assistance under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application that includes a description of— (A) the applicable project; (B) the software programs, consultants, and general methodologies to be used to conduct the assessment; (C) the location of any applicable facility or project