diff --git a/parm/config/gefs/config.stage_ic b/parm/config/gefs/config.stage_ic
index 5822f2e794..8cd97b58ac 100644
--- a/parm/config/gefs/config.stage_ic
+++ b/parm/config/gefs/config.stage_ic
@@ -32,8 +32,4 @@ if [[ -z "${ICSDIR}" ]] ; then
 
 fi
 
-#use of perturbations files for ensembles
-export USE_OCN_ENS_PERTURB_FILES=@USE_OCN_ENS_PERTURB_FILES@
-export USE_ATM_ENS_PERTURB_FILES=@USE_ATM_ENS_PERTURB_FILES@
-
 echo "END: config.stage_ic"