82 EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of Ethyl Corporation and Subsidiaries on Form S-8 (File Nos. 2-78933 and 33-63525) of our report dated January 30, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Ethyl Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, which report is included on page 42 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. Richmond, Virginia March 7, 1997