diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/cloud/amazon/ec2.py b/lib/ansible/modules/cloud/amazon/ec2.py
index 83c5ef151e..482c7f7f71 100755
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/cloud/amazon/ec2.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/cloud/amazon/ec2.py
@@ -485,7 +485,6 @@ EXAMPLES = '''
 #
 
 - ec2:
-    state: running
     key_name: mykey
     instance_type: c1.medium
     image: ami-40603AD1
@@ -503,7 +502,6 @@ EXAMPLES = '''
 #
 
 - ec2:
-    state: running
     key_name: mykey
     instance_type: c1.medium
     image: ami-40603AD1