diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4b07123..d2a46c4 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ Currently, none.
 
 ## Configuration
 
-The MCP server can be configured using environment variables with the `MCP_CORDRA_` prefix or a `.env` file:
+The MCP server can be configured using environment variables with the `MCP_CORDRA_` prefix:
 
 - `MCP_CORDRA_BASE_URL` - Cordra server URL (default: `https://localhost:8443`)
 - `MCP_CORDRA_USERNAME` - Username for authentication (optional)
diff --git a/src/cordra_mcp/config.py b/src/cordra_mcp/config.py
index d8dfd23..843130d 100644
--- a/src/cordra_mcp/config.py
+++ b/src/cordra_mcp/config.py
@@ -9,8 +9,6 @@ class CordraConfig(BaseSettings):
 
     model_config = SettingsConfigDict(
         env_prefix="MCP_CORDRA_",
-        env_file=".env",
-        env_file_encoding="utf-8",
         case_sensitive=False,
     )