diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
index bd8bf88..943f9cb 100644
--- a/VERSION
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -1 +1 @@
-1.7.0
+1.7.1
diff --git a/lib/ezid/configuration.rb b/lib/ezid/configuration.rb
index af7e6bb..ec9a172 100644
--- a/lib/ezid/configuration.rb
+++ b/lib/ezid/configuration.rb
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ def initialize
       @password         = ENV["EZID_PASSWORD"]
       @host             = ENV["EZID_HOST"] || HOST
       @port             = ENV["EZID_PORT"] || PORT
-      @use_ssl          = true if ENV["EZID_USE_SSL"] == true.to_s
+      @use_ssl          = true unless ENV["EZID_USE_SSL"] == false.to_s
       @timeout          = ENV["EZID_TIMEOUT"] || TIMEOUT
       @default_shoulder = ENV["EZID_DEFAULT_SHOULDER"]
     end
diff --git a/spec/spec_helper.rb b/spec/spec_helper.rb
index a57c6f4..c7c68d6 100644
--- a/spec/spec_helper.rb
+++ b/spec/spec_helper.rb
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@
 
   # This setting enables warnings. It's recommended, but in some cases may
   # be too noisy due to issues in dependencies.
-  config.warnings = true
+  config.warnings = false
 
   # Many RSpec users commonly either run the entire suite or an individual
   # file, and it's useful to allow more verbose output when running an